Governor Dayton Open To Casino In Downtown Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he's open to the idea of a state-run casino in downtown Minneapolis' Block E, but says more of the proceeds would need to go to the state.

Dayton says he wants half of the casino's revenue to go to the state, but the current proposal provides only 25 percent. Dayton says that is too low and unacceptable.

With legislative approval, the first phase of the casino would open in spring 2012. Developers say it would bring the state between $100 million and $150 million in the remainder of the 2012-2013 budget cycle, as well as $250 million in each two-year budget period that follows.

During his candidacy, Dayton proposed building a state-run casino near the Mall of America in Bloomington.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.