There were some comments on Racino in another part of this forum.  So I thought I would attach the information below.  I posted this on another forum based on some questions being asked about the Racino effort.  I am for the Racino, as I spend time at Canterbury playing the horses, and besides pulltabs, the only thing I gamble on in this state.  Here's what I posted, and feel free to give your insight or ask questions.  I can get answers to them for you.  If you are in favor of Racino, please let your elected officials know.  With this bill now in committee. the elected officials will need to hear from their constituents.

I went to a good source to have him lay out a few things that will hopefully clarify things for us. I took a look at each post and had him answer the most frequent questions. I will say this: He is in favor of Racino as I am. I'll keep it to that. Here are his comments:

1. As the bill currently stands, revenue generated from Racinos would be used for job creation as it would be deposited in the Minnesota Future Fund. This fund would then be dispersed by DEED in the form of tax credits, grants, incentive programs, etc. Furthermore, the state would gain jobs in its equine industry as it would grow due to the fact that purses at Minnesota’s racetracks would be increased. Similar facilities in Pennsylvania have been credited with creating 44,000 jobs in the state’s equine industry and Racinos in Indiana have been credited with creating more than 7,000 jobs throughout the state’s horse industry. (Pennsylvania has 6 Racinos while Indiana has 2). Thus, thousands of jobs would be created through DEED and through the state’s horse industry. They could vary greatly in their type and number based on how the final bill is put together.

2. If passed this session, it is likely that temporary facilities could be up and operating, by January 1, 2012. These temporary facilities would likely be about half the size of the final Racinos. Full implementation would likely be reached in early to mid 2013.

3. For the citizens of Minnesota, I don’t believe there is a downside. Casino gambling in Minnesota is currently an industry that generates $1.4 billion in revenue and isn’t taxed. This is mostly the money of Minnesota citizens that should be going towards education, infrastructure, tax breaks, job creation and a whole host of other items. It’s time for Minnesota to benefit from an industry that it continues to support.


If there are other specific questions that aren't answered above, let me know and I can gather a few more to have him address. Thanks.