Minn. charities group to tout electronic games

Minn. charities group to tout electronic games as tax money for Vikings stadium keeps lagging

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota group that represents charitable gambling operators is holding meetings around the state to promote the struggling electronic bar games that are supposed to help pay for the new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

The first of nine meetings hosted by Allied Charities of Minnesota is Monday night in Bemidji. Meetings are also scheduled in Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Fergus Falls, Willmar, Marshall, St. Cloud and Fridley.

Tax revenue from last year's expansion into electronic versions of traditional paper pull-tab games is supposed to help fund the state's $350 million share of the $1 billion stadium. But the games have performed far below original projections, and supporters say part of the problem is lack of promotion to bars and clubs that could offer the games but so far do not.