Expanding gambling to fund a new stadium

Midmorning live chat for November 28

The Capitol View Vikings stadium coverage archive.

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:11:14 PM
I am a lifelong Viking fan and would hate to see the team leave. HOWEVER...I really do believe that it is far past the time where communities should be financing the billion dollar playgrounds for the rich. Yes, if they don't get public financing here, they may very well move somewhere that will, but at some point we have to say "Enough is enough." The public is being held hostage by the threats of leaving, and to me, our priorities need to be put their proper perspective.

by Scott Brazil 11/28/2011 3:20:09 PM
How about making a new stadium one of the gambling venues? Maybe even sports betting?

by Captain_Norb 11/28/2011 3:20:18 PM
Guest Earl Grinols.

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:21:00 PM
If we consider alternative investments of gambling revenue, what would be a better investment than a stadium ? I would think that a mortgage refinance fund would be awesome

by Dave 11/28/2011 3:25:54 PM
It is bad policy to change gambling law based on how much money you need. Gambling is either a good idea or it isn't, and should be allowed/prohibited on that basis.

Do the benefits (in liberty not cash) justify the costs (in terms of ruined lives and other costs)? That is the question. Gambling revenues tend to come from those who are least able to afford to part with them.

by Joshua Northey edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:27:18 PM
Do know if gambling revenue has gone up or down since the start of the Great Recession ?

(Editor's note: Producer Chris Dall is passing this onto Kerri to ask on the air.)

by Dave edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:28:12 PM
As far as the expansion of gambling is concerned, I'm somewhat inclined to not like it, but most especially because it is being put on the table to build a billion dollar playground for the rich.

If the expansion of gambling is such a great idea, why was it not being pushed so fervently to benefit things such as education, supporting the poor, etc.?

by Scott Brazil edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:29:09 PM
What about upending yet another agreement with Native Americans?

The only way I could see a state owned casino being ok is if there was some provision where a portion of the revenue would go to help struggling Native American communities like Red Lake that currently do not benefit from owning a lucrative casino. We can not condemn the broken promises of the past if we continue to break them in the present.

by Nick edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:32:44 PM
Gambling perpetuates the false notion that one can get something without requisite effort. It is a poisonous idea. Government sponsorship of gambling is foolishness in the extreme.

by David 11/28/2011 3:33:00 PM
Book recommended by Earl Grinols:

Field of Schemes.

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:35:25 PM
Recommended by Earl Grinols: Major League Losers.

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:37:59 PM
Legalize cards, slots, ponies & gaming.

Tax the winners using their Social Security number (people on welfare cannot play).

by Joe Hibbing edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:38:51 PM
(How about a) casino on the other side of the security gate in AIRPORTS?

by Joe Hibbing edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:39:28 PM
Are new casinos a good place for the state to go to pay for a Vikings stadium?

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:42:56 PM
Information on the Vikings stadium from the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:50:10 PM
By expanding gambling in Minnesota are we not just re-enforcing our societies poor financial responsibilities?

We spend more then we have and poorly balance our budgets and it is not just our politicians, it is a lot of Americans. We have a problem with money and I think gambling adds to that problem. I also feel that putting more casinos in the twin cities is not the kind of city we are trying to build. Why are we allocating so much money to new stadium when our teachers are not getting paid enough, social services are low, prisions are over crowded?

Our society does not need a new stadium, we need to spend that money in other places.

by Hannah. edited by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:51:59 PM
Research from Earl Grinols.

by Stephanie Curtis, MPR News 11/28/2011 3:53:57 PM
If we're talking about the morality and social costs of leagalized gambling we also need to address the social costs of alcohol and tobacco, both of which are taxed and have a huge impact on society both social and financial.

by Dave 11/28/2011 3:56:56 PM

MPR News Radio

Hourly Newscast

On Air All Things Considered®