When electronic pulltabs were first allowed in Minnesota bars and restaurants nine years ago, they were supposed to look just like the paper version, only on a screen.
Now, one press of a button can trigger cascading rows of animated characters. Players can score bonus rounds and free plays.
In short, they have become more fun — and a whole lot like slot machines. And in Minnesota, slot machine gambling can happen only at tribal casinos.
"The state has a very long history with not keeping its word when it comes to agreements it makes with tribal governments," said Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, who is pushing to return electronic pulltabs to the originally intended version of the game. "I don't want to be a part of that long history of not keeping our word."
The proposed changes at the Capitol have sparked an outcry from bar and restaurant owners and charities that have come to rely on the electronic pulltab revenue. They argue the state should not deal another financial blow after the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the hospitality industry.
"It's not right to change the rules of the game right now on our struggling industry and on these struggling charities. This bill is unnecessary and irrational," the director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association that represents bars and restaurants, Tony Chesak, wrote to legislators.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Indian Gaming Association Director Andy Platto said in a statement that the association is urging legislators and the Minnesota Gambling Control Board to ensure the electronic games comply with the intent of the 2012 statute that authorized their use.
Electronic pulltabs first were authorized to pay for the U.S. Bank Stadium debt service, not to help bars or charities, said Sen. Tom Bakk, I-Cook, who also is pushing to rein in the games. He was involved in the original agreement and said the intent was never to let the games morph into slot machines.
