State Lottery game testing gambling for Vikes’ stadium?

The Minnesota State Lottery has introduced a new Minnesota Vikings scratch off game that has a $200,000 grand prize with second-chance drawings that will make players eligible for other prizes, such as season tickets.

As is called for under state law, proceeds from the $10 tickets will benefit environmental causes and the state’s general fund, according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

Steve LaCroix, the Vikings’ vice president of sales and marketing, said in a statement that the promotion is not tied to the team’s long-standing pursuit of a new stadium, but instead capitalizes on newfound popularity after the team’s strong showing during the 2009 season.

But the team saw progress in its pursuit of a stadium during the state’s legislative session this year and increasing gambling options statewide have been discussed as one possible funding mechanism for a new facility.

One could surmise that the team and the state might be taking a look at how this scratch off game performs as 2010 winds down, the 2010 season approaches and the 2011 legislative session approaches.

The Vikings’ lease at Metrodome expires after the 2011 season and team officials have said they will not renew the lease.