state + local

Think back to a time when no gambling was allowed in Minnesota. Then one day not so many years ago they wanted to build a horse track in Shakopee. It seem innocuous at the time to allow this small variance to our culture in Minnesota. "This will be it, no more gambling besides this" was the promise. This was the classic "camel's nose in the tent". Look at us now!

This is too funny.....and sad. Mn remains the only State in the Union to not negotiate new compacts wtih Indian gambling to provide sharing of gambling revenues however in one svelt move the Indians are able to expand their gambling interests. What's that saying, "what goes arround comes around".... for over a century the U.S. and State governments put the screws to the Indians and now it's time for payback. But I never thought our legislators would be "this easy". Wow is all I can say.

What sell outs. I am done at Canterbury.

Mom2four

I agree, and know they want to use gambling to pay for stadiums and other programs that should have been just part of the budget.

"gambling is a tax on ignorance, and all the losers that play the game are paying the price for their stupidity."

Has a avid horseplayer since cby opened I think it is great that there are additional dollars finally available to the track. The "Racino-idea" has been floated for 10 years and with the "electronic pulltab" being passed there was no reason to pursue it any longer...frankly I am surprised this was even offered. But no matter how many big screens they put up will not attend a place where I can not have a beer in the casino, golf course, or at the new outdoor concert venue.

muskiedog - i wouldnt call them losers for gambling. people want to beat the odds cause they think they are luckier than everyone else. gambling is a fools dream. you should be able to afford to lose the money you play otherwise you shouldnt be playing.

@muskiedog: You are right sir. And in addition, the rest of us pay as there is a net loss to the taxpayers when you factor in the costs in terms of increased welfare etc. That's to say nothing about the human suffering and misery as a result of family income diversion to gambling.

When this deal was made public, I said that that it was the state making a deal with the devil. And the details coming out just confirm that. I have nothing against tribes being able to run their own businesses and make a nice profit. But to have a stranglehold on the gaming industry in the entire state is just plain wrong. And, as the article hints, their influence will probably extend well beyond the gaming industry, and into other areas where the state allows them to purchase influence. I do go to Canterbury on a regular basis, and have always admired the Sampsons for knowing what they had, and understanding what they did not have. Their backs may have been up against the wall on this one, but that was only because of the influence that the Tribe had purchased in the state legislature. The racing commission should have rejected this deal, and the the state legislators who had been bought by the Tribe exposed for what they are.

This article makes no mention of the circumstances behind this alliance. Canterbury cannot compete with other regional tracks anymore because they all have slots. This move was vital to future operations. $75 million is a lot of money. If you think they are sellouts, have fun at Running Aces. I bet you'll be back to Canterbury in no time once you get a glimpse of Aces cheap racing show.

I'm happy that Canterbury and the Sioux were able to reach an agreement. Otherwise, both sides might've become upset and started fighting and we all know it's politically incorrect to have Fighting Sioux. :-)