Running Aces pushes racinos with statewide radio campaign

Running Aces Harness Park is airing radio ads statewide promoting racinos as a partial solution to the state’s budget impasse. The racetrack will initially spend $35,000 to tout the economic benefits of permitting slot machines at the state’s two horseracing venues.

The spots will run on WCCO-AM (830), KTLK-FM (100.3) and KFAN-AM (1130) in the Twin Cities. The radio ads will also call out lawmakers from both parties by name in some outstate swing districts. Among those being targeted: Sens. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, Paul Gazelka, R-Brainerd, Joe Gimse, R-Willmar, Gary Kubly, DFL-Granite Falls, Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, and Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato, and Reps. Duane Quam, R- Byron, and John Ward, DFL-Brainerd.

Racino supporters believe that the expanded gaming facilities would generate roughly $200 million per biennium for the state’s general fund. But any expansion of state-sponsored gambling would likely provoke a legal challenge from American Indian tribes that currently operate casinos.

“Would you leave $200 million on the table when the state is facing an uncertain future?” the narrator of the radio spot asks. “Tell you lawmaker to join members from both parties in supporting racinos to end the government shutdown.”

Running Aces also took out a full-page ad promoting racinos in Sunday’s Star Tribune. See it here.