Lawmaker pitches video lottery for bars

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005 | 9:18 a.m.

ST. PAUL -- An Iron Range, Minn., lawmaker wants bars in the state to get a piece of the gambling action.

Sen. David Tomassoni introduced a bill Monday that would allow for up to five video lottery machines in every bar in Minnesota -- a proposal that could add more than $350 million annually to the state's general fund.

Tomassoni said under his bill, the state would be able to receive revenue from gaming without having to disrupt the current casino system. "This is a proposal that would actually bring money into the general fund and could be up and running in six months," Tomassoni said.

Tomassoni threw his idea into the hat as the Legislature heats up with gambling plans.

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