Casino Looking for Compromise
The letter sent by Running Aces Casino focused on creating a compromise between tribal casinos, horse tracks, and charitable gaming groups. Below is an excerpt of the letter sent to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association:
"Running Aces understands the importance of tribal gaming in Minnesota and the economic support that it provides to each of the sovereign tribal nations in this state. We also believe that racetracks, tribal casinos, and charitable gaming all provide important and distinct benefits to the communities we each serve and broad benefits to all Minnesotans. Minnesota has demonstrated that all three types of gaming can be successful. We believe it is possible to work through any disagreements and arrive at successful compromises. We are hopeful that legislators and the gaming industry can all work together to ensure passage of a bill that benefits all three of these entities and the communities they serve. Based on numerous public polls, 90% or more Minnesotans support a sports betting bill that is beneficial for the horse industry, tribal communities and local charities, and we are hopeful that the gaming industry can come together, at the Capitol, to pass sports betting legislation that reflects an appropriate compromise. We stand ready to do what we believe is in the best interests of the horse racing industry, employees, and shareholders and provide our full support to a sports betting bill that accomplishes this goal."
Source Says Deal is Close
According to a source of Fox 9 in Minneapolis, legislatures were the closest they have ever been to reaching a deal to legalize sports betting. While the two sides ran out of time to finalize it, new support from Running Aces Casino could lead to it being done by this summer.
Will Election Affect Momentum for Sports Betting?
While legal sports betting has gained momentum, Tuesday’s election results could threaten that. There will be significant changes in all houses of the Minnesota government, with many new faces. Sports betting has gained bipartisan support in the past, but the power shift could change the tone of negotiations.
While sources believe the deal will get done, we won’t know what to expect from the legislature.