Poker Writer
Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack will be able to now include electronic table games as part of its offerings, according to a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling. The ruling sided against the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which had argued that the new table games infringed on tribal gaming rights.
Running Aces was one of Minnesota’s racetracks and card clubs outside of Minneapolis in the suburb of Columbus. The dispute began in 2023 when Running Aces began to offer electronic poker, baccarat and blackjack. The tribe fought back against the new electronic offerings. Claiming that they infringed on tribal exclusivity for slot machines and video games of chance.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community depends heavily on these exclusive rights. The revenue generated is critical to funding essential services for tribal members, including healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure.
Running Aces and the tribe have a long-running history of disputes, including one from 2025 involving casino table poker games.
Minnesota Supreme Court Decision Favors Running Aces
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of Running Aces by proxy by remaining split. The justices were divided on the Racing Commission’s approval while acknowledging the Tribe’s exclusive rights to video gaming:
The (tribe) has alleged a concrete and particularized invasion of its legally protected right to operate video games of chance and other gambling devices.
The deadlock in the Supreme Court means that the original ruling from the Minnesota Court of Appeals stood and allows Running Aces to operate with its expanded electronic games. The appellate court previously ruled that electronic tables were not gambling devices.
Running Aces a Popular Poker Destination
Running Aces is a popular destination for poker in the Midwest, catering to Minnesota players and those from neighboring states. The poker room offers 20 cash game tables. The tournaments draw big numbers as well, with the MSPT Minnesota Poker State Championship often drawing over 1,000 entries, as it did in April 2025.
The diversification into electronic and video gaming is intended to attract a younger audience that is more likely to use these options.
