by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Racino legislation that would put 1500 slot machines at Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus was tabled in a Senate committee today (Wednesday, March 10).

Bill author Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, indicated after the State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee hearing that he would attempt to amend his racino bill onto another bill on the Senate floor.

A racino bill that calls for 1500 slot machines at Running Aces Harness Park in the City of Columbus and 1500 slot machines at Canterbury Park in Shakopee was tabled today (Wednesday, March 10) in a Senate committee after about a two-hour debate on gambling. Colorful former state senator Dick Day, now a gambling lobbyist, testified on behalf of the bill supporters depicted as helping to build a Vikings stadium. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

The chances of gaining votes, said Sparks, were “much better” on the floor than in committee — he considered it a positive sign his bill had a hearing, he said.

The committee heard the familiar arguments of the gambling debate — supporters arguing Minnesotans want additional gambling venues and that the $125 million annual cut for the state from slots and Running Aces and Canterbury Park in Shakopee can fiance a Vikings stadium and other endeavors.

“I don’t want Native American money,” said former Republican state senator Dick Day, now a lobbyist for racino. “Just level the playing field,” an emotional Day said.

Mature gaming market

But representatives of Indian gaming interests in Minnesota argued the proposed racinos would stress a “mature” gaming market, and impact the Greater Minnesota economy by hurting the Indian casinos found there.

Angela Heikes, of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, said slot machines at Running Aces heavily impact the tribe's two casinos at Garrison and Hinckley. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

Angela Heikes, of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, said the biggest threat to the bands casinos would be slot machines at Running Aces.

The bulk of their casino customer base comes from the metro area, she said.

Slot machines at Running Aces could impact the business by 40 percent, said Heikes.

This is a regional impact, she argued, because tribe employs many area residents — provides health care coverage for thousands.

“The property tax, the payroll tax — we pay all of those things,” she said.


But some committee members questioned whether Indian gaming representatives weren’t asking for too much.

Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, asked whether Indian gaming wasn’t asking for a guarantee from lawmakers — one not given to other business — that they would not have to face competition.

Worried about future of Canterbury Park

“(Gaming) expansion is in the eye of the beholder,” she said during debate on what constituted it. Robling, a lawmaker near Canterbury Park, said she is worried whether the horse track will exist in the future.

She  doesn’t believe, Robling indicated, that having a racino at Canterbury would mean nearby Mystic Lake Casino would suffer. “I think they’ll become a joint attraction,” she said.

Sen. Don Betzold, DFL-Fridley, questioned inferences made by some of the racino supporters about the influence of Indian campaign contributions.

Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, expressed support for the legislation. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

It was suggested contributions to lawmakers have thwarted attempts at gaining racino, but Betzold said it wasn’t the case.

“It just isn’t true,” he said.

Betzold questioned assertions that the proposed legislation could finance a Vikings stadium, saying the money slated in the bill was insufficient.

False hopes, says Betzold

“I think people have some false hopes and expectations here,” said Betzold.

Sparks said he didn’t think the gaming debate needed to turn into an “us against them” debate.

He indicated that the bill could also be changed to slate more funding to the Vikings stadium.

Day indicated to the committee supporters of racino aren’t backing down.

“Minnesotans are coming,” he said.

A House committee recently heard several gambling proposals, but no votes were taken.