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Tim Pugmire
St. Paul, Minn.

Advocates of gambling option for stadium seek support

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Supporters of the option to allow slot machines at Minnesota's horse racing tracks say they want to be part of the solution for a Vikings stadium.

Sen. Al DeKruif, R-Madison Lake delivered a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton's office Friday signed by 24 legislators who support racino gambling. DeKruif said another seven legislators are also confirmed supporters.

The state's estimated share of $135 million a year could help pay back a school funding shift and pay off the bonds for a Vikings stadium, DeKruif said. He insists that a racino is not an expansion of gambling.

"It's just an alternative. So, it's an alternative going to either Iowa or Wisconsin or other neighboring states, or the Indian casinos," DeKruif said. "And it gives people an opportunity to support paying back the school shift and help potentially keeping the Vikings in town."

Racino supporters appear to be short of the votes needed to actually pass a bill. But DeKruif said the proposal is a work in progress, and they are trying to convince others to join the cause.