E-Tab revenues behind schedule - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 47) -- The approval of a new Vikings stadium was a long process. Finally, it was agreed upon that electronic pull tabs would fund a portion of it. So what happens to the deal if the money isn't there?

New revenue projections for the electronic pull tabs are not where they were expected to be up until this point.  The Gambling Control Board said electronic pull tabs are generating about $500 per day at each bar which is only one third of what it should be.  However the pull tabs are only in 140 bars across the state. It may be a low number, but it is growing

On Thursday, the Rochester Eagles Club installed its new electronic pull tab system. 

"I think as they get more vendors out there and more stuff going... the Bingo, and some more people, some more vendors with it, I think you'll see the dollars increase," said Eagles Member Rod Toomey.

Whatever revenue dollars are generated with the games go on a monthly report sent to the state for tally.  Still, the dollars are not flowing as quickly as desired into a new stadium.  Toomey said the approval of Bingo in mid-February could help not just the stadium, but business on days without regular Bingo. 

"The days we are not playing bingo, you'll be able to play with people from St. Peter, Thief River Falls, Duluth."

"It's a linked game across the state," said E-Tab Manufacturing Manager Jim Landsem.  "The game we have is called 'Piggy's From Heaven' and there are three progressive jackpots. You can win up to $100,000 on one day of the game."

State lawmakers have said they need to brainstorm other options so Minnesota can pay for its $348 million share of the $975 million stadium.

House Commerce Committee chairman Joe Atkins said he may create a task force to tackle the problem.