Minnesota rep says slots could buy Vikings stadium

As reported by My Fox 9: “A Republican state legislator says allowing more slot machines is the best option for raising money for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

“A new Vikings stadium would cost an estimated $950 million, with the team possibly needing $700 million from the state.

“Rep. Tom Hackbarth of Cedar, Minn. said Monday he would try to amend the state constitution to permit slot machines at two Twin Cities-area horse racing tracks. Hackbarth proposed the amendment last March, saying voters should decide whether it’s a sound option.

“The Vikings are under lease at the Metrodome until 2011.

“…John McCarthy of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association questions whether gambling is a reliable enough revenue stream to pay back as much as $50 million a year in construction debt…”