A late effort to pass a sports gambling bill in Saint Paul begins with a Wednesday Senate committee hearing.
State Senator Matt Klein (DFL- Mendota Heights) says the retooled sports gambling measure has the support of the state's pro teams and Native American tribes, but not horse track operators.
“I’ve had direct conversations with the CEO’s of both the tracks, told them what we’re going to offer on Wednesday, and they said they still will oppose and, you know, despite this being I guess something that the other two parties can live with,” Klein told WCCO’s Adam and Jordana. “Yet, we’re going to go ahead because this is the right thing to do to keep the tracks a viable destination in Minnesota and also to get this bill done.”
Klein says the measure includes expanding the type of wagering at the race tracks. Mike Cronin of the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association which represents horse owners, trainers, and stable workers. He says race tracks like Canterbury Park and Running Aces want a fair offer.
“It is true that they’ve thrown us a little bone,” says Cronin. “But, if we accept that we’re out of business. They’re offering a few million dollars. Meanwhile, the Mdewakantons (Native American community) are making like a billion year over year. All we really want is a level playing field.”
Officials at Canterbury Park and Running Aces both want casino table games like roulette and craps included in the bill, but Klein says that's a non-starter because tribal casinos already have that.
This late effort to craft a sports gambling bill begins next Wednesday in a State Senate Committee despite there still being opposition to what's being proposed.
Cronin says they have been offering sports gambling for years but aren't part of the negotiations.
“Exactly why we don’t have a seat at the table when we’re the experts at it, when the tribes have never done sports betting, is beyond me,” Cronin said. “That’s the false narrative that keeps on getting described by the folks that are trying to push this through for the tribes.”
Klein says he's talked with operators of both tracks.
“We obviously discussed with them several times whether or not that’s something they’re willing to give ground on, and at this point they aren’t,” Klein told WCCO.
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