Legislature plans restrictions on electronic pull-tabs



A finish-line addition to this year's tax bill will clamp down on electronic pull-tabs, which have become a cash cow in Minnesota since they were legalized to pay for the Vikings stadium in 2012.Get more news about china pull tab tickets,you can vist our website!

The session's big tax bill will put new restrictions on the games, but backers say that'll be at the expense of charities.

Electronic pull-tabs were legalized to pay the taxpayer's share of a new NFL stadium. After initially foundering, e-pull-tabs have become a $6.3 million-a-day business in Minnesota. They paid off the stadium debt and filled state tax coffers.

But lawmakers have put the brakes on what has been exponential growth of the games. A provision in this year's tax bill will prohibit some of their supposedly most attractive features, so-called “open all” games that allow a single touch to reveal all of a player's prize chances at once, as well as second-chance provisions.
It's the latest skirmish in the long-running battle over gambling in Minnesota and who runs it.

“The fact of the matter is that the courts of have ruled that these things cannot mimic slot machines,” said Gov. Tim Walz.

Tribal gaming agreements give them the right to certain forms of gambling, like slot machines. But the difference with e-tabs can be subtle — even too subtle for some people.

This year's tax bill will draw that line more clearly, although the consequences are a matter of fierce debate as lawmakers wrap up their annual session today.

Electronic pull-tab fans say the changes to the way they're played will make the games less attractive and be a serious setback for state charities and the more than $120 million a year that they give away.

“We talk about e-tabs doing the great things for our community. St. Paul Park food shelves that we're giving thousands of dollars to a year. Food recovery. We're supporting our communities,” said Ray Kane, gambling manager for the Lions Club in St. Paul Park and Newport.

The electronic games also attract younger and more female players, keeping Minnesota's traditional charitable gambling industry alive, according to Jon Weaver.

“This is a very social activity. You go to the bar, you're with your friends you're with your spouse, you play these games. You're there not to win a million dollars. You're there to have fun, hang out and socialize,” Weaver said.