Key points:
- Local horseracing tracks have pushed back at attempts to establish a legal market in the past
- Running Aces said it is willing to work with lawmakers to reach an agreement
As Minnesota lawmakers consider whether legal and regulated sports wagering could be in the state’s future, Running Aces Casino recently released a letter of support for a potential market, according to a KMSP local news report.
However, the decision to allow sports betting within Minnesota’s border has been met with pushback from horseracing tracks.
Running Aces has previously blocked attempts at launching legal sports betting but has now moved toward “advocating for a compromise benefiting tribal casinos, horse tracks and charitable gaming.”
Running Aces said in its written statement to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, "Running Aces understands the importance of Tribal gaming in Minnesota and the economic support that it provides to each of the sovereign Tribal nations in this state. We also believe that racetracks, Tribal casinos and charitable gaming all provide important and distinct benefits to the communities we each serve and broad benefits to all Minnesotans.
“Minnesota has demonstrated that all three types of gaming can be successful. We believe it is possible to work through any disagreements and arrive at successful compromises. We are hopeful that legislators and the gaming industry can all work together to ensure passage of a bill that benefits all three of these entities and the communities they serve.”
Good to know: Lawmakers tackled the topic during its 2024 legislative session but were not able to pass a bill that would welcome a regulated market
The group went on to note the high percentage of public support and said it is confident communities statewide can collaborate to create a market where everyone can benefit.
Running Aces said in closing, “Based on numerous public polls, 90% or more Minnesotans support a sports betting bill that is beneficial for the horse industry, Tribal communities and local charities, and we are hopeful that the gaming industry can come together, at the Capitol, to pass sports betting legislation that reflects an appropriate compromise.
“We stand ready to do what we believe is in the best interests of the horseracing industry, employees and shareholders and provide our full support to a sports betting bill that accomplishes this goal."
