The Minnesota-based hotel, racetrack and casino, Running Aces, has recently amended its federal lawsuit to include the Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos, owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Running Aces has accused tribal casinos of conducting unauthorized video games of chance, which they claim directly contravenes federal and state laws.
Claims of Unlawful Advantage in Tribal Casinos’ Gaming Practices by Running Aces
The amended complaint was formally submitted by Running Aces on May 14, broadening the original lawsuit that targeted Grand Casino Hinckley, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and Treasure Island Resort & Casino. As outlined in the lawsuit, Running Aces asserts that the targeted casinos, including the newly added Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos, are operating on an uneven and unlawful playing field due to the hosting of unauthorized gaming activities, as reported by the Star Tribune.
Taro Ito, who holds the dual titles of CEO and President of Running Aces, highlighted the seriousness of the matter by stating: “For several years, a false narrative has been perpetuated by tribal casinos and some politicians that they hold an exclusive right to gaming in the State of Minnesota, including electronic video games of chance. As contrary evidence, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA), which is federal law, explicitly denies such exclusive rights.”
In addition, Ito mentioned that the current legislation in Minnesota explicitly forbids the play of electronic video games of chance by any individual.
Escalation of Legal Fracas Sees Running Aces Seek Monetary Reparations
The legal skirmish has escalated as Running Aces not only seeks a court injunction but has lodged a claim for unspecified monetary damages from the executives of the targeted tribal casinos.
As outlined in the lawsuit, the alleged violation of both state compact agreements and Minnesota criminal law by the respondents has occurred through their provision of Class II video slots and other video games.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community responded to the suit by maintaining the legality of its gambling operations, dismissing the accusations made by Running Aces as unfounded. It has further accused the horse racing company of attempting to smear the reputation of tribal gaming.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community reassured that all gaming operations at Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos are conducted in accordance with tribal, federal, and state laws.
The legal fracas emerges against a backdrop of widening debate in Minnesota’s legislature over expanded gambling, with the primary focus being on sports betting and Historical Horse Racing (HHR). Amid the debate, racetracks such as Running Aces and Canterbury Park have expressed concern about being overlooked in legislative discussions.
