The Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus is launching a renewed effort to allow slot machines at the state's two race tracks, commonly known as "racino."
The track in Columbus announced their "Minnesota's Budget Jackpot" campaign today to pressure the Legislature into granting permission for slots at both Running Aces and Canterbury park. The tracks currently host card games such as poker and blackjack, but no slots.
The group estimates that slots at race tracks would bring the state about $100 million annually in new tax revenue.
"At a time when Minnesota faces a $6.2 billion budget deficit and needs get people back to work, we believe there needs to be a thoughtful conversation on how gaming could play a role in help solve the state's budget problem," said John Derus, spokesperson for the campaign.
"Our proposal is a winning proposition for Minnesota, but it can only happen if there is a change in tone and we focus on opportunities."
The Legislature is likely to talk more about racino as it looks for revenue to either alleviate the state's deficit or build a new Vikings stadium in the months to come.
