|
Heinzman: First harness racing track in Minnesota expected to draw interest of many |
|
|
The first harness racing track in Minnesota, Running Aces in Columbus, opened April 11, continuing the gambling trend that many say they oppose but participate in anyway.
Enthusiasm is building for this harness racing that’s expected to attract thousands of people. If the qualifying races and open house turnouts are any indication, this latest gambling venue will be a success.
Trotting put Minnesota on the map when Dan Patch, owned by Marian Savage, brought world recognition when he ran the Minnesota Fairgrounds trade in one minute and 55 seconds.
Since then, gambling of all types has seized interest of the state’s residents. A study done several years ago shows that 80 per cent of the state’s residents have gambled at some time during the year; the average Minnesotan wagers in six gambling activities during a life time.
State residents say they are ambivalent about gaming, and polls suggest while they are opposed, they do gamble. Polls also show that 62 percent of respondents believe charitable gambling for fund raising is okay.
Gambling particularly at casinos run by Native American tribes has yielded thousands of jobs and raised the standard of living for Native Americans.
The City of Columbus and the Northern Anoka County region will benefit from the track with 600 new full-time and seasonal jobs. The City of Columbus, the Forest Lake School District, Anoka County and the state of Minnesota will gain revenues from the track.
The value of the track is estimated at $62 million. Columbus gave no tax incentives to the private corporation which will pay property and income taxes. In addition to the property taxes, the corporation has agreed to pay an additional $88,000 a year for the city to spend as it wishes. The company paid for all of the track’s improvements including sewer and water.
While those are the upsides, harness racing and card playing are gambling activities. Gambling is addictive, and has ruined people’s lives and torn families apart.
People become addicted and are treated through state-funded programs. Minnesota is one of 29 states that funds gambling treatment programs. In 2006, 1,150 individuals received treatment at one of the 93 treatment providers.
While as entertainment, it can be fun, and in this case provide funds to governmental entities, it can also do damage to people’s lives and livelihood. The hope is that wagering at this newest track and all gaming will be done responsibly and regulated tightly.
 |
