The Minnesota Gambling Control Board’s report for fiscal year 2018, released Thursday, reveals that the Land of 10,000 Lakes remains the No. 1 state in the country for charitable gambling: gaming activity conducted by registered nonprofit organizations, generally in bars and veterans’ posts, throughout the state.
Minnesota again broke its own gross gaming sales record. Fiscal year 2018 saw a 15.6 percent increase in sales, with pull-tabs making up 93 percent of the $2 billion in recorded sales for the year.
Charitable gambling activity increased across the board from fiscal year 2017: bingo saw a 15.7 percent increase, paddlewheels increased 5.5 percent, pulltabs increased 15.9 percent, raffles were up 9.6 percent, and tipboard profits grew an even 6 percent. As of June 30, 2018, there were nearly 1000 sites offering electronic pull-tabs. Gross sales from these electronic pull-tabs were over $360 million, an 80 percent increase from fiscal year 2017.
The report shows that paper pull-tab manufacturers have also increased their sales and marketing efforts. An average of over 500 new paper pull-tab games were introduced each month.
Players received a record $1.6 billion in prizes; the average prize payout was 83 percent of gross receipts. The remaining 16 percent – or $314 million – was earmarked for expenses, property and other types of taxes, charitable contributions and building expenses for veterans’ posts and fraternal clubs. More than 1,100 charitable, nonprofit organizations are licensed to conduct gaming in Minnesota, including Elks, Moose and Eagles Lodges, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and various other local business organizations.
More than $83 million went to pay for military veterans’ programs, youth activities like hockey and soccer, and outdoor activities like snowmobile trails and environmental protection programs.
Throughout the year, eleven different manufacturers sold their products to nine licensed distributors with 6300+ new games approved for distribution in 2018.
“Fiscal year 2018 was a good year for the licensed lawful gambling charities in Minnesota and the 2,804 sales locations that support these charitable missions,” MCGB Chair William Goede said in a statement.
“The Gambling Control Board and its staff will continue to work hard to provide the necessary oversight and regulation of this billion-dollar industry.”
