ST. PAUL, Minn. — A lengthy legal dispute over high-tech card games at one of Minnesota’s two racetrack casinos has concluded.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has affirmed the state Racing Commission’s decision to allow “dealer assist” electronic card games at Running Aces Casino Hotel Racetrack, rejecting efforts by a tribal casino operator to block the expansion.
The ruling, issued late last week, allows Running Aces, a gambling and racing venue in Columbus, to continue offering card games played through electronic terminals with a live dealer handling physical cards.
The decision follows a lawsuit by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which operates Mystic Lake Casino and Little Six Casino near Prior Lake. Tribal leaders argued that the technology behind these dealer-assisted games constitutes electronic gambling devices, an area where Minnesota law has historically granted exclusivity to tribal casinos.
The Supreme Court’s opinion, however, leaves the Racing Commission’s approval intact and maintains that the racetrack’s offering does not violate Minnesota’s gambling restrictions.
Reactions To The Supreme Court’s Unusual Decision
The Supreme Court issued an unusual ruling because the justices split evenly, which kept the lower court’s decision in place without creating a broad precedent for future cases. Justice Theodora Gaïtas did not participate, as she had previously worked on the matter while serving on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Running Aces officials welcomed the decision, describing the dealer-assisted format as a legal and innovative evolution of card gaming. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community expressed disappointment, maintaining that the games violate Minnesota’s intent to limit non-tribal electronic gambling. This debate comes as gambling evolves nationwide, with technology blurring the lines between traditional card games, electronic terminals, and full casino-style gaming.
Minnesota remains one of the Midwest’s more restrictive states regarding non-tribal casino expansion. Outside of tribal casinos, only two racetracks, Running Aces and Canterbury Park, are permitted to offer limited card-based gambling, but there is a silver lining: offshore casino sites.
Online Minnesota Casino Games (Offshore)
While Minnesota has several major tribal casinos and limited racetrack card gaming, the state does not license or regulate real-money online casinos. As a result, residents cannot legally access state-approved online slots or blackjack apps, unlike players in states such as New Jersey or Michigan.
However, many Minnesotans still explore and access online casino sites that accept players from Minnesota. These sites are typically licensed internationally and operate outside the state’s regulatory framework.
Common Casino Games Found Online
Online casino gambling sites often offer a wider variety of games than those available at
Minnesota’s racetrack card rooms, including:
- Online slot machines and progressive jackpots
- Digital versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat
- Live-dealer casino games streamed from overseas studios
- Video poker and specialty table games
These online offerings continue to attract interest as lawmakers debate broader gambling expansion, including sports betting, although no statewide online casino legalization has passed to date.
Players considering offshore gambling options are advised to research licensing, payout reputations, and responsible gaming safeguards before participating.
Sources:
- Supreme Court opinion: In the Matter of the Minnesota Racing Commission’s Approval of Running Aces
- Minnesota Racing Commission