Committee re‑refers contested e‑pull tab bill after hours of testimony from charities, tribes and opponents

Summary

House File 733, which would relax restrictions on electronic pull‑tab features and reverse aspects of 2023 clarifications, was sent to the Commerce Committee after testimony from charities reporting revenue declines, tribal gaming representatives opposing the change, and advocacy groups concerned about expansion of slot‑like devices.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — After more than three hours of testimony, the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division on Feb. 19 re‑referred House File 733 to the Commerce Committee. The bill, presented by Vice Chair Olsen, would alter rules governing electronic pull‑tab (e‑tab or e‑pull tab) games, restoring game features that were limited by legislation in 2023.

Vice Chair Olsen said the bill seeks to “fix” restrictions adopted after 2023 changes and argued those restrictions have reduced revenue for charities that use charitable gambling to fund local programs. Several charity leaders and veterans organizations told the committee that e‑tab revenue fell sharply after the January implementation of the 2023 rules.

Rachel Jenner, executive director of Allied Charities of Minnesota, said the change has led to declines in participation and revenue and cited an example packet showing the Claremont Chamber of Commerce…

Committee re‑refers contested e‑pull tab bill after hours of testimony from charities, tribes and opponents

Summary

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