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

Minn. Senate committee kills racetrack casino plan

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 bill to legalize slot machines at Minnesota's two horse tracks failed in a Senate committee this Monday afternoon.

The State Government Innovation and Veterans committee voted 8-5 against the racino bill.

Even a last-minute change that would have dedicated the proceeds to potentially tens of thousands of college scholarships did not sway legislators.

Bill sponsor Republican Majority Leader David Senjem said he was disappointed the bill didn't pass, but said there was progress.

"I don't think we've ever had a full-blown hearing. This was a full-blown hearing with a vote," Senjem said. "We kind of tested the water and found out where the rocks are."

The vote may mark the end of racino prospects for this year. Opponents on both sides of the political aisle said they were wary of opening the door to new gambling.

Sen. Paul Gazelka, R-Brainerd, who voted against the bill, said he was reluctant to open the door to more gambling.

"For me personally, I thought it was an expansion of gambling. I think it's not in the best interests of the state to expand farther," he said. "They talked about two places initially, but there were people on the range that said they wanted it. There were other testifiers saying we want to have a lot of these. And in the end, I just don't think that serves the state best."