Electronic Pull-Tabs Available Soon

ST. PAUL (AP) -- Electronic pull-tab games authorized to help pay for the new Vikings stadium could be in the hands of Minnesota gamblers in less than two weeks.

Gambling Control Board director Tom Barrett says one game, "Treasures of the Jungle," stands a good chance of final approval at a Sept. 18 meeting of the state's Gambling Control Board. Games could start taking bets within hours of that approval.

Las Vegas-based gambling company Acres 4.0 is loading games on modified iPads that will be available in bars and restaurants. The company's owner, John Acres, says three initial locations are likely but he wouldn't reveal where.

Tax proceeds from the electronic games are covering the state's $348 million share of a construction on a new, $975 million stadium.