Forecast: Stadium-Bound Gambling Revenues Lagging

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gambling revenues intended to help pay the state's share of a new Minnesota Vikings stadium are coming in slower than expected.

That tidbit is tucked away in the new economic forecast from the state Wednesday.

The projected revenue from new electronic gambling in bars and restaurants this year had been $34 million, but it's been cut to $16 million. The state has also cut its projections through 2017 by $9 million.

The expanded gambling is relied upon for most of the state's $348 million share of the nearly $1 billion stadium.

Bob Hume, a spokesman for Gov. Mark Dayton, says the lower revenue isn't a cause for concern. He said new games are being rolled out slowly to make sure it's done right.

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