Minn. tour touts e-gambling venture

By PATRICK CONDON
Associated Press

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- Boosters of the struggling electronic pull-tab games that are supposed to help pay for construction of the new Minnesota Vikings stadium are holding meetings statewide trying to inspire interest and confidence in the games.

Allied Charities of Minnesota is touting the games at nine meetings around the state including one Thursday night in Rochester. At a meeting Wednesday night in Mankato, about 50 charitable gambling operators showed up. Many displayed continued skepticism about the offerings.

Mary Norgaard, who manages gambling at two bars in Lake Crystal for a fire relief fund, says her mostly older customers don't seem interested. Jody Wynnemer, gambling manager at the Waseca VFW, says he needs to be confident that most of the money raised stays in town rather than funding the stadium.