Running Aces adds Mystic Lake, Little Six casinos to unauthorized games lawsuit

The filing already names Grand Casinos in Hinckley and Mille Lacs, as well as Treasure Island as defendants.

Author:
Tommy Wiita
Publish date:
May 14, 2024

Running Aces Casino has amended its lawsuit against casinos in Minnesota, adding Mystic Lake and Little Six to the list of establishment it's accusing of offering games not allowed under state law.

The federal lawsuit, originally filed on April 16 under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act, also lists as defendants the executives at Grand Casinos in Hinckley and Mille Lacs, as well as Treasure Island Resort Casino in Welch.

The casinos are accused by Running Aces of having multiple "illegal and unfair competitive advantages" over them, one of which focuses on offering "Class III" games that aren't authorized in state compacts set up through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988.

The compacts limit casinos to offering slot machines and blackjack, but Running Aces says Grand Casino and Treasure Island have offered games including Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em. The lawsuit also states in October, Treasure Island's gaming compact was amended to cover the Class III card games.

Mystic Lake and Little Six are now included in those accusations, with Running Aces claiming they offer Class II video slots and other video games it believes are not permitted under state law.

Mystic Lake and Little Six casinos are both owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Grand Casino in Mille Lacs and Hinckley are both owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and Treasure Island is owned by the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Running Aces is seeking to recover damages and an injunction against the alleged illegal activities in the future.

President and CEO of Running Aces, Taro Ito, said in a statement all the casino has ever sought "was to be treated fairly, compete on a level playing field, take advantage of improvements within the pari-mutuel environment, and operate without fear of being eliminated."

"It is our sincere desire to have our day in court and let the facts determine the outcome," Ito added.

Bring Me The News reached out to Mystic Lake and Little Six casinos for comment on Tuesday.

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