Gambling funds proposed for Twins stadium

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001 | 9:59 a.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association has its own proposal for building a new Twins stadium: putting video slot machines in bars around the state.

The group says this could help raise $300 million to $500 million per year for a stadium and other infrastructure needs.

Indian casinos would own the machines that would be leased to the Minnesota State Lottery, allowing tribes to keep some of the revenue and hold onto their monopoly over video gambling in the state.

"We need to work with tribal governments acknowledging their sovereignty and we hope the tribes will see our respect for their sovereignty with this proposal," MLBA Chairman Colin Minehart said.

The rest of the money would go to the bars, to state and local governments for other infrastructure projects and to the state's Environmental Trust Fund. The state Legislature would determine the breakdown.

A new Twins stadium is being discussed as a method of saving the team, which faces elimination. Baseball owners voted Nov. 6 to fold two teams before next season, with the Twins and the Montreal Expos the likely candidates.