A shocking lawsuit has been filed against several tribal casinos in Minnesota, alleging that they are running illegal gambling operations. The suit, brought forth by the popular Running Aces harness racing track and card room, claims that the casinos are offering games that are not authorized under state law.
The lawsuit specifically targets four casinos that are operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Prairie Island Indian Community. These include Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Little Six Casino, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort.
Running Aces, located in Columbus, Minnesota, has long been a prominent player in the state’s gaming industry. The track offers harness racing, as well as a card room that features poker and other popular table games. However, the lawsuit claims that the track has been losing revenue due to the unfair competition posed by the tribal casinos.
According to the suit, the casinos are offering so-called “player-banked” card games, which allow players to act as the bank rather than the house. This type of game is not permitted under Minnesota law, which only allows for house-banked games where the casino acts as the bank.
The lawsuit also alleges that the tribal casinos are running illegal slot machines, which are not legally allowed in Minnesota outside of state-regulated casinos. Running Aces claims that these illegal activities are causing them to lose out on potential revenue, as well as customers who are drawn to the tribal casinos’ more extensive gaming options.
In a statement, Running Aces’ owner and CEO, Taro Ito, emphasized the importance of fair competition in the gaming industry. He stated, “We have a responsibility to our employees, our community, and our customers to ensure that all gaming operators are playing by the same rules. It is unfair for us to be held to a different standard than our competitors.”
The tribal casinos have not yet responded to the lawsuit, but they have previously defended their gaming operations as legal under federal law. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, which represents the state’s tribal casinos, has also stated that they are operating within the bounds of the law.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of Minnesota’s gaming industry hangs in the balance. Running Aces is determined to fight for fair competition and the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations. Meanwhile, the tribal casinos will likely continue to defend their operations and the economic benefits they bring to their communities.
It remains to be seen how this lawsuit will impact the gaming landscape in Minnesota, but one thing is certain: the stakes are high for both sides in this high-profile legal battle.
