June 19, 2023
Electronic pull tabs authorized in 2012 to help pay for U S Bank Stadium have been wildly successful, generating nearly two billion in revenue in 2022. It has allowed the State to pay off 348 million in bonds that financed the stadium 20 years early, saving taxpayers millions in interest payments. The State last year received about 180 million from pull tabs, charities about 130 million, yes, revenue that charities receive is taxed by the State even though they are nonprofits.
A recent statewide poll conducted for Protect our Charities found that 79% of Minnesotans supported keeping the games in their current form, but despite this finding legislation passed in the recently completed session will make electronic pull tabs and bingo that are played in bars and restaurants illegal. Tribal casinos fear that the electronic games infringe upon their revenue stream and have went to court numerous times trying to get a ruling that would outlaw the games but have been rebuffed by the courts. However, this time, the casinos evidently placed their money and bets on Minnesota legislators and won big time, as of December 31, 2024 the games are illegal.
Nearly all charities in Lake County and the entire State receive benefits from their local chapters, fire departments, youth sports, veterans, the whole nine yards, collectively, they will now receive millions less each year.
You may wish to thank the good Senator from our district that voted in favor of this legislation.
Alan Holden
Finland, MN
