Update: Shakopee City Council Passes Resolution of Support for Racinos

The Shakopee City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the establishment of racinos in Minnesota, including at Shakopee’s Canterbury Park, at their regular meeting Tuesday.

In January, the council decided to wait until racino legislation had been introduced before considering taking a position. The legislation would allow Canterbury and Running Aces, the two horse racing tracks in the state, to add video and slot machines. They already have 24-hour card rooms featuring poker, blackjack and other card games. 

Just this week, bills were introduced for racino at the Minnesota Legislature. The bills state that 1 percent of racino proceeds would go to the host city and host county, which could mean an estimated $1.2 million each for Shakopee and Scott County per year, based on research by Canterbury officials.

According to City Administrator Mark McNeill, without this revenue, there would be added public safety and transportation costs that would otherwise be borne solely by city and county taxpayers.

Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate said Wednesday that the 1 percent in revenue should be enough to handle the increased activity brought about with additional gambling.

A study was done in approximately 2005 which showed a racino would bring a 10 percent increase in activity that would result in emergency calls, he said. Further analysis would be needed to update that finding and accurately determine police staffing needs, he added.

"We have a really good working relationship with Canterbury," he said. "We've talked in the past about adding a (police) substation there and we'd work with them to come up with the best plan."

Canterbury Park’s President and CEO Randy Sampson attended the meeting and said the council’s support would be much appreciated.

“We all believe racino is what is needed to keep horse racing in Minnesota,” he said.

Council member Steve Clay said the 1 percent clause was crucial for his support.

“If we don’t get that 1 percent, I don’t want it,” he said.

With an amendment to that effect, the city's resolution of support passed 5-0 supporting racinos.

But, the city of Prior Lake is not on board. Mayor Mike Myser has sent the Legislature a letter on behalf of the city in opposition to establishing racinos in Minnesota.

A racino bill still has a long way to go to pass this legislative session. Even if it were to pass the Senate, the House and Gov. Mark Dayton would have to sign off on it to make it happen.

Racino gaming is currently legal in 12 states and in Canada, according to Racino Now, a non-profit organization advocating for racino legislation to pass in Minnesota. They also say recent studies estimate racinos could generate $125 million in new revenue for the state each year.