First high-tech bingo games delayed in Minnesota

It will be at least another month before electronic bingo games make their debut at bars and restaurants in Minnesota, the Star Tribune reports. The state's Gambling Control Board has delayed approval of the first game.

Tom Barrett, executive director of the board, told the newspaper the "linked bingo" game wasn't approved because it has not been certified as meeting state standards.

Minnesota lawmakers approved electronic pulltabs and bingo games last year to help generate the state's $348 million share of the new Vikings stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

E-pulltabs arrived in September and are now in nearly 60 bars and restaurants, but revenue from the high-tech games has lagged expectations.

However, manufactures say e-bingo games could generate more revenue because they'll have much larger prizes, the Star Tribune says.