Grand Slam for Youth Baseball: Rapids Cardinal Little League Secures Gambling Permit

Grand Slam for Youth Baseball: Rapids Cardinal Little League Secures Gambling Permit

The Coon Rapids City Council has approved a gambling premises permit for the Coon Rapids Cardinal Little League (CRCLL), giving the volunteer-run nonprofit a powerful new fundraising tool to support its youth baseball programs. The permit authorizes CRCLL to conduct charitable gambling operations at Classic Bowl, a long-standing bowling center on Round Lake Boulevard, positioning it as the league’s new hub for financial sustainability.

A Critical Funding Play

For community organizations like CRCLL, charitable gambling represents far more than a bureaucratic checkbox—it’s a financial lifeline. In Minnesota, nonprofits such as Little Leagues can legally operate gambling activities including pull-tabs, bingo, tipboards, paddlewheels, and raffles. Classic Bowl will serve as the designated premises where one or more of these activities, most commonly pull-tabs, will take place.

City officials underscored the broader impact of this decision, noting that charitable gambling revenue provides essential financial resources for local organizations. Unlike traditional, one-off fundraisers, gambling proceeds can generate steady income, allowing groups like CRCLL to reinvest directly into their mission of serving children ages 4–12 across Coon Rapids, Anoka, and Fridley.

Investing in the Next Generation

Under Minnesota Gambling Control Board oversight, the funds raised must be spent on lawful charitable purposes, which for youth sports organizations translates into tangible community benefits:

• Equipment & Uniforms: Upgrading bats, balls, helmets, and jerseys to ensure players have safe, high-quality gear.
• Facility Improvements: Enhancing league fields at Riverview Park and other practice areas to provide safe, well-maintained playing surfaces.
• Player Opportunities: Supporting tournaments, skill-building clinics, and financial assistance programs to keep baseball accessible for all families.

By securing a stable revenue stream through lawful gambling, CRCLL hopes to reduce reliance on constant event-based fundraising. This shift allows volunteers and coaches to focus more on player development, teaching fundamentals, and strengthening community ties rather than worrying about financial shortfalls.

Transparency and Accountability

The Minnesota Gambling Control Board strictly regulates charitable gambling. Only registered nonprofits like CRCLL are eligible for permits, and all net proceeds—after allowable operational expenses—must be used for community benefit. For residents and families, this provides assurance that every dollar raised at Classic Bowl will be reinvested locally, directly fueling youth development through baseball.

A Win for the Community

The council’s approval of the gambling premises permit, officially recorded in Resolution 25-95, represents a “grand slam” moment for CRCLL. With Classic Bowl as its partner, the league has secured a steady and transparent funding source that ensures local children will continue to benefit from affordable, competitive baseball opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.

MinneapoliMedia