Gov. Dayton asks for briefing on pull-tab games

Playing at the Powerhouse Bar
Powerhouse Bar owner Dick Kari wins $33 while playing the new electronic pull-tab gambling game Tuesday, Sept 18, 2012, at O'Gara's Bar and Grill in St. Paul. Kari was very excited to obtain some pull-tab gambling games for his bar. Financial experts said last week that the electronic pull-tabs are not being implemented as quickly as hoped, and might not meet the projected revenue.
Photo by Anthony Kwan for MPR/MPR Photo/Anthony Kwan

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is calling a meeting Wednesday morning on the state's plans for electronic pull-tabs.

Spokeswoman Katharine Tinucci said the governor is asking for a briefing on the games from Minnesota Gambling Control Board executive director Tom Barrett, revenue commissioner Myron Frans, Public Safety commissioner Mona Dohman and staff from the state's budget office.

Financial experts said last week that the pull-tabs are not being implemented as quickly as hoped, and might not meet the projected first-year revenue. Taxes from the games are earmarked to pay for the state's share of a NFL new stadium, costing about $1 billion. Officials cited delays in approving vendors.

An analysis by Minnesota Public Radio found existing electronic pull-tabs were falling short of their projected daily sales, on a per-machine basis. Less than 3 percent of the expected machines had been put in service, however.

Dayton and lawmakers said they still have faith in the stadium financing plan.

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