Running Aces, one of two Minnesota horseracing tracks, has sued executives at three Tribal casinos, according to an MPR news report.
The federal racketeering lawsuit alleges that the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and the Prairie Island Indian Community “are operating card games in violation of state and federal gambling laws.”
Furthermore, the suit claims that Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch have “vastly expanded their own gaming operations in blatant disregard of clear criminal prohibitions.”
The Mille Lacs Band owns the Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs, while Prairie Island owns Treasure Island Resort & Casino.
Running Aces filed the suit because it believes these facilities are running card games that are not in compliance with compacts the state has formed with local Tribes. The track also alleges these card games violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, as well as state law.
In related news, Running Aces recently addressed the impact historical horseracing (HHR) has on state revenue. The track said HHR is “a critical revenue source for them.”
HHR involves bettors picking a winning horse in digital races. Players consider their choices based on horses that have raced in the past.
They went on to describe the sport as a lifeline for their businesses.
However, a bill to ban historical horseracing is under consideration. Its author, Representative Zack Stephenson, made it clear to local news that authorizing HHR is not something he believes is in the best interest of the state.
