Minnesota's electronic pull-tab landscape is facing potential upheaval as Republican lawmakers push to roll back recent restrictions on these popular gambling devices. The changes, which took effect at the start of 2025, have significantly impacted the charitable gambling sector, prompting a legislative response.
Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) introduced a bill to the House Veterans Affairs Committee that would undo the new limitations on electronic pull-tabs. These restrictions, implemented earlier this year, removed features such as the 'open-all' button, dramatically altering how the games operate.
"We GOP members have been outlining kind of a road map of where we would like to see our state go, and one of the areas in which we're hoping to make some significant change in the near future is with regards to electronic pull tabs," Olson stated at a press conference following the committee hearing.
The impact of these changes has been swift and substantial. Rachel Jenner, Executive Director of the Allied Charities of Minnesota, reported at the hearing, "I've heard from many organizations that are down 20 or more percent in their revenue from December to January. This revenue, of course, impacts their ability to fund veterans services, youth sports, fire departments, [and more]."
However, the push for these restrictions came from Minnesota's tribal nations, who argued that the electronic pull-tabs had become too similar to slot machines. Andy Platto, Executive Director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, explained during the house hearing, "The key here is that those features no longer mimic slot machines. There's no bonus games, there's no free spins. Those features never existed on paper, only on slot machines, and they shouldn't have ever been on an electronic pull tab."
The bill's journey through the legislative process is likely to be complex. While Republicans currently control committee majorities, a special election in March could return the house to a tie. This would create an even balance in almost every house committee, as per a recent agreement between Republicans and the DFL.
Even if the bill reaches the House Floor, it will need at least one DFL vote to pass, as 68 votes are always required regardless of temporary vacancies. DFL members on the veterans committee expressed frustration over the partisan nature of the bill, with Rep. Kari Rehrauer (DFL - Coon Rapids) urging for bipartisan cooperation on veteran support bills.
As the bill moves to the House Commerce Committee, its path forward remains uncertain. The outcome of this legislative push could have significant implications for Minnesota's charitable gambling sector and the broader landscape of electronic gaming in the state.
