The gambling debate at the State Capitol looks to be revving up.

On Tuesday, a House committee will hold the first hearing on a bill to allow slots at racetracks. Simultaneously, members of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, who oppose racino, will rally on the steps of the Capitol to oppose expanded gambling.

A MIGA press release says their event will "highlight the fears of thousands of tribal employees who could lose their jobs if the legislature adopts any of the gambling expansion proposals now on the table."

As the 1997 photo at right shows, this is far from the first time this scene has played out at the Capitol. (The 1997 racino bill would have used racino profits to fund a new stadium.)

Expanded gambling creates a bit of a quandry for Republican leaders. Tribal groups have given generously to Democrats over the years, but the Republican Party platform opposes any gambling expansion.

The racino proposal won't have any direct impact on the state's general fund finances. The extra tax revenue will be sent to a special fund, which will be doled out by DEED for job creation purposes.