Past, present and future of casino gambling

Associated Press THE PAST: The state and tribes negotiated compacts in 1989-90, allowing the tribes to operate casinos on their reservations. In the last few years, opposition has softened to allowing one or more private casinos to also open in the state. THE PRESENT: Gov. Tim Pawlenty is proposing that tribes share about $350 million a year with the state in exchange for a continued monopoly for a set period of time and/or new games, perhaps. WHAT'S CHANGED? Democrats gained 13 seats in the Minnesota House in the election, giving tribes hope that the issue will take a lower profile in 2005 because Democrats have generally sided with the tribes on gambling issues. THE FUTURE: Gambling is sure to be on the Legislature's plate this session, but it's unclear whether any of the proposals might go somewhere - especially with the higher House DFL numbers.