Minn. lawmakers weigh electronic pulltab options
Minn. House lawmakers weigh options for improving electronic pulltab sales for stadium
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota House members are considering ways to make electronic pull-tab games a more reliable source of funds for the new Minnesota Vikings stadium.
The House Commerce Committee met Tuesday to discuss the lagging pull-tab sales by charitable organizations at bars and restaurants. So far the games have raised far less tax revenue than first projected.
Committee chairman Rep. Joe Atkins says lawmakers could set aside 15 percent of net revenues from the games to market and advertise them. Another suggestion is scrapping a requirement that all electronic pulltab operators must also offer paper versions of the games, or lifting the total number of electronic betting devices allowed at a single location for those bars where the games have been successful.
Lawmakers are also considering new sports memorabilia and stadium luxury seats taxes to backfill the stadium construction fund.
