With a projected state budget surplus of $9.25 billion, Sen. Roger Chamberlain introduced Senate File 574, a bill that will grow the size and scope of state government by allowing electronic gambling.
The projected revenue generated from this new form of gambling will go to grow the state’s general fund, allowing legislators to grow the state’s already bloated budget on the backs of those addicted to gambling.
Rep. Zach Stephenson introduced another bill to legalize sports gambling.
From KARE-TV: Stephenson estimated it could be around $20 million a year, with 40% going to programs to counter problem gambling; 40% to youth sports, particularly in communities experiencing high levels of juvenile crime; and 20% for regulating the new industry to protect consumers and to ensure that betting doesn’t influence what happens on the playing field.
“Stephenson said the bill will need approval from at least six committees in the House alone. It will also need to pass the Senate, where it got a muted reaction from the chamber’s leading advocate for legalizing sports betting, GOP Sen. Roger Chamberlain, of Lino Lakes.
“I welcome the Democrats to the table, and we’ll work together to write legislation that can get this done,” Chamberlain said in a statement. “However, the offer in its current form will not give the consumer a good product. We need to expand the options for consumers to have the best possible experience.”
“Unlike under Chamberlain’s bill, the state’s two horse racing tracks would not get a piece of the action.”
Read more about Sen. Chamberlain’s bill here.
