Charitable gambling in Minnesota tops $1.5 billion in 2016

Minnesotans apparently were feeling lucky in fiscal year 2016, spending $1.5 billion on pulltabs, bingo, raffles and other forms of charitable gambling — or more than $275 for every person in the state.

Charitable gaming sales increased 13.2 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, according to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board’s annual report. That makes the sixth year in a row of increases, and the numbers continued to surge into late 2016, said Gary Danger, the board’s compliance officer.

“July through November, our numbers show we are on track to be up almost 11 percent over last year. It seems to follow the economy,” said Danger. “Some believe there is a bit of a tie to lower gas prices. There is a little bit extra money people can use toward fun.”

http://www.startribune.com/state-s-charitable-gambling-tops-1-5-billion-in-2016/409845305/