Minn. Supreme Court affirms approval of ‘dealer assist’ electronic card games at racetrack casino

January 27, 2026 - 03:15

The Minnesota Supreme Court has affirmed the state Racing Commission's authority to approve "dealer assist" electronic card games at the Running Aces harness racing track and casino. The ruling delivers a definitive conclusion to a legal challenge brought by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which operates the nearby Mystic Lake Casino.

The legal dispute centered on whether these electronic games, which feature a live dealer on a video screen to facilitate play, constitute a permissible form of "electronic pull-tab" under state law or an unauthorized expansion of casino gaming. The tribal community argued the games were an unlawful overreach. In its decision, the high court found the Racing Commission acted within its statutory discretion when it approved the games, determining they fit the legal definition of lawful gambling.

This ruling solidifies the operational framework for Running Aces in Columbus, allowing it to continue offering these electronic table games, which include blackjack and baccarat. The decision underscores the regulatory powers of the Racing Commission and concludes a significant chapter in the ongoing discussions surrounding gaming expansion and jurisdiction within the state. The court's opinion provides clarity on the technical classification of these increasingly popular electronic gaming formats.