The first electronic linked bingo games intended to help fund the new Vikings stadium have been sent back to the manufacturer because of a computer glitch.
E-bingo allows players at different locations to compete against each other for jackpots that can range up to $75,000.
The Star Tribune reports the games were being tested in a half dozen bars and restaurants but would occasionally display a random image when a new player logged on.
John Burger, spokesman for e-tab Manufacturing in St. Paul, says they hope the games will be back from the lab this week. The company was aiming to launch e-bingo statewide on April 1.
The state’s original revenue projections of $35 million a year from electronic bingo along with e-pull tabs are proving to be way off the mark, with less than $2 million brought in so far.
Legislators are looking for alternatives to electronic gambling to cover the $348 million the state has committed to the nearly $1 billion stadium.
Gov. Mark Dayton has said the revenue could still bounce back as the games catch on.
