"Minnesota was one of the first states to negotiate tribal gambling compacts. Compared with other states, our negotiators did a poor job. There are only three states with compacts that have no revenue sharing and no expiration dates, and that have no other competitive casinos. Minnesota is by far the largest of them. If Minnesota had a revenue sharing arrangement like Connecticut, the No. 1 tribal gambling state, our state would likely receive more than $300 million per year.

The enormous increase in tribal casino gambling has been a mixed blessing. For some tribes, it has brought about great material prosperity. We are happy for the prosperity and new jobs that many tribal members are enjoying. However, the two largest tribes, Red Lake and White Earth, remain impoverished. Meanwhile, numerous other Minnesotans, both tribal members and others, have become gambling addicts. And the additional costs to all taxpayers of law enforcement, transportation and social services have been enormous. Some studies indicate that the social costs of gambling outweigh its benefits 2-1."

Get the Story:
Jim Knoblach and Tom Neuville: State within its rights to seek new agreement with tribes (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/21)
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