Commissioner: Pulltabs Could Generate $72 Million

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Minnesota's revenue commissioner says additional research shows electronic pulltabs in bars and restaurants could generate $72 million annually for a new Vikings stadium.

Commissioner Myron Frans says the latest estimate is based on different calculations than an earlier projection of less than $40 million. Stadium supporters say the electronic pulltabs are less likely to face legal challenges from American Indian tribes who likely would object to a casino in downtown Minneapolis or video slot machines at horse racing tracks.

DFL Rep. Terry Morrow says the new estimate is just one step toward solving the financial puzzle of building a new stadium. Morrow is part of a legislative stadium working group that has tentatively endorsed the pulltabs as a way to provide $340 million toward the state's share of a $920 million stadium.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)