Further, any single restaurant or bar can host only one organization, and the organizations with permits need to allocate 10 percent of their net profit to a city fund that helps cover overall public-safety expenses in Eden Prairie and 1 percent of net receipts to the city to help regulate this specific program. Overall, the newly revised ordinance also limits the number of permits the city can issue – currently six, but more if the city’s population continues to grow. This allowed the hockey association to get a city permit, which they’ve used so far to strike agreements with Champps, Bowlero, and Green Mill. Now, an organization may lease space for its gambling operation, typically a small area inside a busy bar or restaurant. The original ordinance dates to when there was an Eden Prairie American Legion and it owned a building on Eden Prairie Road. The major change is that organizations involved in charitable gambling in Eden Prairie no longer need to own the restaurant or bar where gambling is being held. 2, the council gave final approval to the ordinance change. 5, 2021 with Eden Prairie City Council members to talk informally about the charitable-gambling idea and the need to revise city ordinances to allow it. Still, it took a change in city ordinances to make it happen in Eden Prairie. Some hockey associations have financed improvements to community buildings and ice rinks. The White Bear Lake Area Hockey Association had gross receipts of $24.1 million in 2020, netting $3.5 million for their hockey programs.

There are 97 youth hockey programs with charitable gambling licenses across the state, with net profit after tax of $13.3 million. It’s probably no surprise, therefore, to learn that many organizations like EPHA see charitable gambling as a solution. High participation costs can be a deterrent.

Moreover, EPHA pays $500,000 per year for ice time, said Elmquist, which is a cost they feel can be covered by selling pull tabs.Īt the same time, hockey groups in Minnesota are pushing for diversity and inclusion on their teams.

Gambling pull tabs