Running Aces Casino & Racetrack has filed an amended lawsuit against several tribal casinos in Minnesota, alleging that they are violating federal law by offering illegal video games on their premises. The lawsuit, which was originally filed in May, accuses the tribal casinos of offering electronic bingo and other video games that are not authorized under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
According to court documents, Running Aces claims that the tribal casinos are using electronic gaming machines that are not governed by the same strict regulations that apply to traditional slot machines. The lawsuit also alleges that the tribal casinos are offering video games that mimic the gameplay of popular slot machines, which are prohibited under federal law.
In a statement, Running Aces CEO Tad Levine said, “We believe that the tribal casinos in Minnesota are operating in violation of federal law by offering illegal video games on their premises. These games are not subject to the same rigorous regulatory oversight that we are subjected to as a non-tribal casino, and we believe that this gives them an unfair advantage in the marketplace.”
The amended lawsuit seeks to have the electronic gaming machines removed from the tribal casinos and for the casinos to pay damages to Running Aces for lost revenue. The lawsuit also requests injunctive relief to prevent the tribal casinos from offering illegal video games in the future.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association issued a statement saying, “We are confident that our member tribal casinos are in full compliance with all federal and state laws regarding gaming. We believe that Running Aces is simply trying to create a competitive advantage for themselves by filing this baseless lawsuit.”
The lawsuit is just the latest development in a long-standing legal battle between Running Aces and the tribal casinos in Minnesota. The two sides have been locked in a legal dispute over various issues, including the expansion of gaming options and the regulation of electronic gaming machines.
As the lawsuit moves forward, legal experts say that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry in Minnesota and beyond. The case is expected to be closely watched by other states with tribal casinos, as it could set a precedent for how video games are regulated in the future.
For now, Running Aces is preparing to make its case in court and is hopeful that they will be able to achieve a favorable outcome. In the meantime, the tribal casinos have vowed to vigorously defend themselves against the allegations and maintain that they are operating within the bounds of the law. The legal battle is far from over, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately be resolved.
