Running Aces, the harness racing track/card room in Columbus Township just north of the Twin Cities, has started a public campaign to get racino gaming in the state’s two horse tracks.
Under racino proposals, slot machines would be allowed at Running Aces and at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, with the hopes of generating up to $100 million in revenue for the state.
The new Running Aces campaign is called “Minnesota Budget Jackpot.” The track wants residents to contact legislators about the proposal.
It claims on its website: “Adding slots to the gaming mix at Minnesota’s two existing state-regulated gaming facilities will raise millions of dollars in additional tax revenue every year while creating thousands of new jobs and spurring hundreds of millions in additional economic development.”
Canterbury Downs, too, promotes a pro-rcino web site called RacinoNow.com, which claims the proposal will add thousands of jobs to the state’s economy and help the horse industry.
Gov. Mark Dayton has said new gambling revenues won’t be part of his proposed budget but that he is open to considering Racino legislation.
How long ago did you write this article? It’s been Canterbury Park for many years and the City of Columbus for many years as well.