Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Nelson
St. Paul, Minn.

Bill introduced to help fund stadium with gaming funds

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A Republican representative and a DFL senator have introduced a measure that would allow casino-type gambling at the Canterbury Park racetrack to help fund a Vikings stadium.

DFL Sen. Dan Sparks of Austin sponsored the bill in the Senate, and GOP Rep. Tom Hackbarth of Cedar authored the bill in the House.

The state says a proposed $1 billion stadium in Arden Hills will need an additional $130 million in road improvements.

Hackbarth said he thinks it's the way to solve a funding gap in a stadium deal.

"You know, I've had this idea in the past to combine a casino or racino with a Vikings stadium, and I think it's the right way to go," Hackbarth said. "I don't think there's an appetite within this conservative Legislature that's going to bond or come up with some money for a Vikings stadium. I think this is the right way to go. I think in an end game deal, this could be the solution."

Stadium bill sponsor, Sen. Julie Rosen of Fairmont, signed on to the Senate measure. But in the House, stadium bill sponsor Morrie Lanning reacted coolly to the idea of linking gambling to a Vikings stadium.

"I haven't been involved in that at all. And I don't know whether that has any possible life or not. Haven't really heard anything, haven't been involved, so I don't know."

Lanning said the House sponsor hadn't even asked if he wanted gambling revenue to help close an expected $130 million gap in stadium financing.