Minnesota House Panel Advances Vikings Stadium Plan

ST. PAUL (AP) — A bill to pay for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium is limping ahead at the state Capitol with time in the legislative session running short and amid lingering doubts over key financing elements.

The House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee advanced the bill Monday night on a divided voice vote. It has several more House and Senate committees to clear before it reaches Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

The plan relies heavily on expanded gambling in bars and restaurants in the form of electronic pull tabs and bingo. A new wrinkle also would tap into sports-themed betting "tip boards" that, according to Dayton, could run afoul of federal law.

The $975 million cost of the stadium planned for Minneapolis would be split among the city, state and private sources.