Sample electronic pull-tab device
ROSEVILLE, Minn. - Get ready for pull tab fever. The Minnesota Gambling Control Board on Tuesday gave uncontested approval to the beginning of electronic pull tab gambling in licensed Minnesota bars and restaurants.
The meeting at the Board's headquarters in Roseville lasted just 15 minutes, and gave the go-ahead to Express Games Minnesota to immediately begin introducing the iPad-based games to local venues.
Electronic pull tabs made their debut at five establishments Tuesday. They are:
- O'Gara's Bar and Grill
164 North Snelling Avenue
St. Paul, MN 555104
- CR's Sports Bar
8525 Cottonwood Street Northwest
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
- Mancini's Char House & Lounge
531 7th Street West
Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Howie's Sports Bar and Grill
101 9th Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303
- Monte's Sports Bar & Grill
8299 University Avenue Northeast
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Up to 300 additional venues may come on board each month as the state's electronic pull tab operation comes up to speed.
"This new technology will revolutionize charitable gaming in Minnesota and nationally," said Express Games CEO Jon Weaver, who handles the sales of the games and devices.
New games from Las Vegas-based Acres 4.0 include "Treasures of the Jungle" and "Big Money Heist."
Lawmakers are relying on taxes from electronic pull-tabs to help the state repay borrowing for the $975 million stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
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