Casinos boost Minnesota's entire economy, tribal report says

Casinos have pumped billions of dollars into Minnesota tribal economies over the past 25 years — and while the state doesn’t get a cut of the profits, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association says the whole state has cashed in.

Tribal casinos employ thousands of Minnesotans and draw millions of visitors each year, according to a report released this week that offers a glimpse into tribal gaming’s closely guarded finances.

From payroll to purchasing to tourist dollars, tribal casinos pump an estimated $1.8 billion in direct and indirect revenue back to the state each year, according to the report. It estimates that casinos and related industries, such as tribal-run hotels, employed 13,371 people, attracted 23 million visitors and channeled $482 million to other Minnesota vendors.

http://www.startribune.com/casinos-boost-minnesota-s-entire-economy-tribal-report-says/393485401/