In a surprising turn of events, Minnesota’s Running Aces Racino has added more casinos to its RICO suit, alleging racketeering activities. The original lawsuit, filed in May of this year, targeted four casinos in the state, but the addition of three more casinos has escalated the legal battle to new heights.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, accuses the seven casinos of engaging in a conspiracy to defraud Running Aces and other racetracks out of revenues from card games like blackjack and poker. The suit alleges that the casinos illegally colluded to offer electronic blackjack and poker games without the proper authorization, resulting in Lost revenue for the racino and its competitors.
Running Aces Racino, located in Columbus, Minnesota, is the only harness racing track in the state and operates a card room with poker and blackjack games. The racino opened in 2008 and has become a popular destination for gambling enthusiasts in the region. However, its revenue has been declining in recent years, prompting the owners to take legal action against the alleged racketeering activities of the competing casinos.
The three additional casinos named in the RICO suit are Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, and Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley. These casinos are operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, two of the largest tribal nations in Minnesota.
The lawsuit accuses the casinos of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a federal law that allows for civil suits to be brought against individuals or organizations engaged in criminal activities. Running Aces is seeking damages and injunctive relief to stop the alleged racketeering activities and restore fair competition in the gaming industry.
In response to the lawsuit, the casinos have denied the allegations and vowed to vigorously defend themselves in court. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, in a statement, called the lawsuit “baseless and without merit” and accused Running Aces of attempting to stifle competition through legal means.
The legal battle between Running Aces Racino and the seven casinos is expected to be a lengthy and complex one, with high stakes for all parties involved. The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry in Minnesota and beyond, setting a precedent for how competition and collaboration among casinos are regulated and enforced.
As the case unfolds in court, gambling enthusiasts and industry observers will be closely watching to see how the legal drama plays out and what impact it could have on the future of gaming in Minnesota. For now, Running Aces and the seven casinos named in the RICO suit are gearing up for a legal battle that could reshape the landscape of the state’s gambling industry.
