MINNESOTA’S rise in electronic pull-tab gambling could help pay off US Bank Stadium well ahead of schedule.

A report by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board last week showed that during the last fiscal year, annual sales of electronic pull-tabs rose by 80 percent on the preceding 12 months, generating a staggering $360 million.

Funds from the electronic pull-tabs were pledged to pay for US Bank Stadium — the home of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL has a capacity of 66,500 people and opened in 2016.

A traditional pull-tab was a gambling ticket were multi-layered tickets containing symbols hidden behind perforated tabs. Punters would open the windows and reveal winning combinations to win money. The electronic pull-tabs are, like most things, an upgrade on that form of gambling, done digitally.

• Learn more about online casino betting options here.

After a lacklustre beginning six years ago, pull-tab gambling has grown considerably after the original manufacturer closed down, providing an opportunity for Pilot Games to pick up the contract.

• Learn more about Minnesota’s online gambling laws and best bookmakers here.

Pilot Games was a manufacture that seemingly understood its customers. A growing boredom with a lack of new games was reversed with new titles, new bonuses and new gameplay, leading to a surge in use.

The Minnesota Gambling Control Board’s report also found that charitable gambling topped $2 billion in sales for the first time.

The increase in sales means the state may be able to pay off the mortgage early and save money.

This is hot on the heels of a fast-changing attitude towards gambling across the USA, as many states scramble to legalise sports betting.