Electronic Pull-Tabs

• An electronic pull-tab is a hand-held device that is about the size of a tablet computer (like an iPad), which will be linked wirelessly to a master computer within a licensed on-sale bar/restaurant.  The master computer will then be linked over the Internet to the MN Gambling Control Board which oversees these lawful gambling devices.
• The device will “mimic” how a paper pull-tab plays but on a computer touch screen. The device will be loaded with a set amount of credits purchased by the user.
• Once the device is out of credits, more can be loaded, or if the machine has credits left they can be “cashed in.”
• There will be a limit of 6 or 12 electronic pull-tab devices depending on the size of the bar/restaurant.
• The devices will be obtained from a pull-tab booth operator or from the bartender most anytime during regular hours of the establishment.
• Electronic pull-tabs are not meant to replace paper pull-tabs, but will give players a new “modern” way to play electronically.

Electronic “Linked” Bingo

• Electronic “Linked” Bingo is much like the electronic pull-tabs. It will be played on a hand-held device that can play up to 36 bingo cards electronically. It will be played on a separate machine from the Electronic Pull-tab machine (described above).
• The device will “mimic” the traditional bingo paper card however, no ink “dauber” will be used. You will “daub” your device’s touch screen.
• The device will be loaded with a set amount of credits purchased by the player. The player will play against other players in real time all across the state of Minnesota.
• There will be a limit of 6 or 12 Bingo devices per bar/restaurant depending on the size of the establishment.
• The devices can be obtained by the player from a Pull-tab booth, Bingo operator or the bartender most anytime during regular hours of the bar/restaurant.

Licensed beverage retailers in Minnesota can opt in or opt out of this program and must have a charitable organization as the host agency. The new electronic gambling devices and operations will be controlled by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, just like paper pull-tabs and Bingo are at present.  If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office 651-772-0910 or frank@mlba.com.

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From a Jan 26 story on kstp.com, “Key lawmakers say ‘unless the sky falls in’ electronic pull tabs will pick up the state’s $300 million portion of stadium funding.” Read the story here.

In the 1/25/2012 Pioneer Press is an article on the meeting with Viking’s ownership and state leaders regarding stadium proposals.  In the article, Gov. Mark Dayton and Senator Julie Rosen both state they prefer the “electronic Pull-tabs” as the funding source for the proposed new Vikings’ stadium.  Read the full article here.

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From the 1/18/2012 StarTribune is an article where Governor Dayton again states his support for the bill backed by MLBA and the charities to allow electronic forms of charitable gambling to help pay for bonds to fund the state’s portion of a proposed new Vikings’ stadium.  Read the full article here.

• Sunday Sales
• Wine in Grocery
• Multiple Off-Sale Licenses
• Restrictions on the number of off-sale licenses per city
• Wine Festivals, Off-Sale
• The Bottle Bill
• And more……

Gov. Mark Dayton singled out a proposal – taxes from electronic pull – tabs and bingo games used in part to fund charities – as the most viable option.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.twincities.com/ci_19566733

We feel it was our grass-roots campaign that helped us get to this exciting point in our efforts to bring electronic gaming into our bars and restaurants. We are a strong lobbying group if we all stick together. We need all retail stores to become members or our (your) association.

Wishing you a very good holiday season

Frank Ball
Executive Director

Keep your fingers crossed and make sure to contact your legislators asking their support. We are very close to making this happen. Thanks to all those who have worked so hard with us on this grass roots project.

Best

Frank Ball

From a 11/6/2011 WCCO-4 interview, House Speaker says electronic pull-tabs is the easiest current bill that could be passed because it helps the charities and the bar owners who have been hurt by the economic downturn and the smoking ban.  To see the whole 6 minute interview click here: WCCO-4

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From a Nov 3, 2011 article on MPR entitled “State revenues from proposed electronic pull tabs a gamble”, click here to read the article: MPR Article

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From MPR on Nov 2, 2011, is an article entitled “Some stadium backers want to expand pull-tab gambling”, click here to read the article: MPR Article.

Click here to listen to the audio of MLBA Past President Dan O’Gara on MPR. MPR Interview

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Stadium Silver Bullet May Come in the form of Electronic Pulltabs. See the November 1, 2011, StarTribune article here: StarTribune

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Esme Murphy of WCCO TV interviews Governor Mark Dayton on ‘WCCO Sunday Morning’ on 10/30/11. Dayton says electronic pull-tabs has the best chance of passing. Click to view: WCCO

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10/30/11 StarTribune article on using electronic pulltabs as a funding source for a new Vikings Stadium, click here to read the article: StarTribune

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From the October 28, 2011 MPR article entitled: “Dayton says electronic pull-tabs are on the table”. Click to view: MPR

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Also, see the 10/27/2011 article from the St. Paul Pioneer Press referencing using funding from electronic Pull-Tabs to help fund the new Viking’s stadium proposals. Click to view article: Pioneer Press

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Governor Dayton was on TPT’s Almanac on Friday October 28, discussing electronic pull-tab as a funding mechanism for a Vikings stadium. Click here to view the show: Almanac

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Frank Ball
Executive Director

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Check back with us from time to time to keep up to date on what we’ve got cookin at the MLBA.

Respectfully Submitted,
Frank Ball

Cheers

Frank Ball
Executive Director MLBA

On behalf of the entire Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) Board of Directors and our staff, we wish to thank all our members and non-members for their patience and confidence as we tried to keep them informed during this very difficult time period.  We will work hard to insure a quick response to your questions and concerns and getting our retail businesses up and running.

Respectfully:

Frank Ball
Executive Director

47.13 Sec. 47. BUYER’S CARD; TEMPORARY EXTENSION.
47.14 A retailer whose retailer card authorized under Minnesota Rules, part 7515.0210,
47.15 subpart 3, has expired between June 15, 2011, and July 25, 2011, may purchase alcohol
47.16 using an expired card, and a licensed Minnesota wholesaler may accept a card as
47.17 legitimate until July 31, 2011.

This means there is an amnesty period during this start-up process.  I have been in contact with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division that assured me they will work hard to process all the backlog and present requests for the State of Minnesota Buyers Card to our retail stores.  Once again, should you encounter difficulties or need some assistance, feel free to call us immediately.