Racino Legislation in Minnesota by Jeff Hilger

Our program on 2/21 was a presentation on the proposal for a racino in Minnesota. A racino is a combined race track and casino, and in the present proposal one would be at Canterbury, and one at Running Acres Harness Park.Jeff Hilger, owner of Blue Valley Farm in Stillwater, and Rosemary Higgins were the presenters for the group supporting the proposal.

There are 60,000 horse owners in the state, and over 155,000 horses at present.  The horse business is a billion dollar industry in Minnesota, and allowing racinos would enhance the business. Part of the proceeds of the new gambling, which would be managed by the Minnesota Lottery, would go to enhance the purses at the racing events at the two tracks, as well as funds would be dedicated to other elements of the horse business. Ther plan would net $250,000,000 in added tax revenue for the State of Minnesota.

There are two groups who oppose this plan, and they have prevented the bill from being introduced in the legislature. One of the groups is composed of the anti-gaming people, and the other is made up of the owners of the present casinos.

Questions from the audience included the issues of gambling addiction, and where the money would come from.

Greeters: March 6: Jerry Brecke, March 13: Jim Cada, March 20: Bob Boyer, March 27: Randy Schumacher