Dayton Not Inclined to Redo Vikings Stadium Plan

ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is downplaying the slow start to a gambling expansion that is the main financing tool for a new Minnesota Vikings football stadium.

Dayton on Thursday said he has no plans to revisit the stadium financing plan when lawmakers return in January. State officials said this week that initial revenue from electronic pull-tabs in bars and restaurants are well below earlier projections.

But Dayton says he's not worried because the gambling phase-in is at early stages and will pick up as more companies who supply the devices win state approval. The new gambling is supposed to pay off state's share of debt from the $975 million stadium.

The governor plans to meet next week with his revenue commissioner and the top gambling regulator to determine future steps.