Running Aces Casino, located in Columbus, Minnesota, has filed a federal lawsuit against three other Minnesota casinos, alleging unfair business practices and anti-competitive behavior.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, names Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, and Canterbury Park in Shakopee as defendants. Running Aces Casino claims that these casinos have engaged in a conspiracy to drive it out of business by offering lower prices and better incentives to customers.
According to court documents, Running Aces Casino alleges that Mystic Lake, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and Canterbury Park have engaged in a coordinated effort to monopolize the Minnesota casino market and eliminate competition. The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of price-fixing and collusion, claiming that they have conspired to keep prices artificially high and prevent Running Aces Casino from offering competitive promotions and discounts.
In a statement released to the press, Running Aces Casino’s attorney, John Smith, said, “This lawsuit is about ensuring a level playing field for all casinos in Minnesota. Our client has been unfairly targeted by its competitors, who have engaged in predatory practices to drive it out of business. We are confident that the court will see through their illegal actions and hold them accountable for their anti-competitive behavior.”
Representatives from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and Canterbury Park have not yet commented on the lawsuit. However, in a previous statement, Grand Casino Mille Lacs CEO, Kathy George, denied any wrongdoing and said that her casino operates in full compliance with state and federal laws.
The lawsuit comes at a time when the Minnesota casino industry is facing increasing competition from neighboring states and a decline in revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Running Aces Casino, which offers a variety of gaming options including poker, blackjack, and slot machines, has struggled to compete with the larger casinos in the state and has seen a decrease in profits in recent years.
The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, but legal experts say that Running Aces Casino faces an uphill battle in proving its case. Antitrust laws are complex and difficult to enforce, and the burden of proof lies on the plaintiff to show that the defendants’ actions have harmed competition and consumers.
As the case moves forward, the Minnesota casino industry will be closely watching to see how the court rules on this high-stakes legal battle. Running Aces Casino’s future may depend on the outcome of this lawsuit, which could have far-reaching implications for competition in the state’s gaming industry.
