Fans of Gopher State gaming will be intrigued to see the latest developments coming from the state Supreme Court in a tribal casino gaming case. Per sources, in a closely watched legal battle, the Minnesota Supreme Court has delivered a ruling in favor of Running Aces Casino Hotel and Racetrack. This ruling allows the facility to continue offering dealer-assist table games, despite challenges from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). The case centered on whether the racetrack’s use of dealer-assist technology violated the tribal exclusivity on electronic gaming in Minnesota. The dispute dates back to 2023, when the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which operated the Mystic Lake Casino and Little Six Casino, filed a lawsuit against Running Aces and the Minnesota Racing Commission.
For this report, SBS will be going over the latest gaming news coming from Minnesota, and also some additional notes and information you can only find at SBS.
Covered in the same article, the tribe argued that the dealer-assist games at Running Aces, which combine traditional card games with electronic elements, constituted a violation of the state’s gaming laws. Specifically, they contended that these games were a form of electronic gambling that should be reserved for tribal operations under Minnesota law.
Dealer-assist games, also known as “stadium gaming,” allow players to participate in traditional table games, such as blackjack and poker, using interactive touchscreen terminals arranged in a stadium-style setup. While a live dealer physically handles the cards or dice, players place their bets via the electronic terminals, which also calculate payouts. This format provides a unique blend of live casino interaction with the efficiency of digital technology. This, the article notes, allows for faster gameplay, smaller bets, and greater privacy for players who may feel uneasy in traditional social gambling settings.
Running Aces offers two dealer-assist games: Aces Live and Community Card Blackjack. These games have proven to be a draw for players according to the article, with betting minimums as low as 50 cents per hand in Aces Live and $1 in Community Card Blackjack. According to Evan Nelson, the attorney for Running Aces, these games cater to a new generation of players who may be more comfortable with technology than with the social pressures of traditional casino tables. Initially, the Minnesota Racing Commission approved the use of dealer-assist games in 2017. However, the approval faced immediate resistance from SMSC, which took the issue to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The lower court sided with Running Aces, ruling that dealer-assist games did not fall under the category of electronic gambling, as they still involved human dealers and were more akin to traditional table games than video slots.
The tribe then escalated the matter to the state’s higher court, the report explains. The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision was a deadlock, with three justices in favor of the lower court’s ruling and three opposed. Associate Justice Theodora Gaitas recused herself from the case due to her prior involvement in the appeals court decision. Additionally, with no majority opinion, the court effectively upheld the lower court’s decision, allowing Running Aces to continue offering dealer-assist games.
The SMSC expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, reiterating that it believed dealer-assist games violate Minnesota’s law on tribal exclusivity in gaming. In a statement, the tribe declared, “We believe these games are a clear violation of Minnesota law.” While the tribe may have been dissatisfied with the outcome, the ruling has significant implications for the future of non-tribal casinos in the state. Running Aces has long argued that the dealer-assist format is a vital part of their card room offerings and provides a less intimidating environment for newcomers to the casino world. As reported by a local news outlet, Nelson emphasized the technology’s appeal, stating, “This is an important part of the card room for Running Aces. This innovative technology allows for maybe a different generation of people who want to play card games to interact with the games,” Nelson said.
Additionally, the case represents a broader debate on the scope of tribal gaming rights in Minnesota. Tribes in the state hold exclusive rights to certain types of gaming, particularly electronic devices like video slots, while non-tribal casinos are limited in their gaming offerings. Moreover, the court’s decision reflects a recognition that dealer-assist games, despite incorporating electronic components, remain rooted in traditional card game formats and should not be classified as electronic gaming devices. Of course, this ruling marks a significant victory for Running Aces, which has been at the center of an ongoing struggle to innovate and adapt to modern gaming devices.
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the newest gambling notes and updates coming from Minnesota, make sure to check out the excellent array of information available to you at SBS. Of course, for even more analysis on the state covered in this article, the sports betting in Minnesota guide has your back with all kinds of excellent notes about Gopher State gaming. Additionally, for those who are eligible and interested, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown is an excellent resource. Here you can learn more about the latest updates at the online sportsbook and if these amenities make sense for you. Finally, for those interested in higher-stakes wagering, the VIP sports betting sites breakdown is an excellent guide that goes over the perks of VIP wagering and beyond.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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