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Gaming operations are temporarily suspended in Minnesota17 March 2020Due to COVID-19, tribal casinos across Minnesota have temporarily suspended operations, according to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. "As sovereign nations, each tribe is determining the best way to safely reopen operations," said a statement on the association website. The 11 federally recognized tribal nations in Minnesota own and operate 19 casinos. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed three executive orders today, including one that closes bingo halls, race tracks and racinos, as well as theaters, museums, gyms and other areas where community transmission of COVID-19 could occur. The action is effective Tuesday, March 17 at 5 p.m. until March 27. Tribal-run casinos in Minnesota are not required to close under the executive orders, but took action in the interest of guest and employees. “We have been balancing our responsibility of providing jobs and benefits to the thousands of people who depend on us with the rapidly developing guidance from the federal and state government,” said Keith Anderson, from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which owns and operates Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, in a press release. “We have been working diligently on this by the hour to make the right decisions at the right time for our members, employees, team members and guests. It is best for our community and the larger community to temporarily close at this time.” Elsewhere, Canterbury Park - Racetrack & Card Casino in Shakopee also suspended simulcasting, casino and special events effective today in response to concerns about COVID-19. Company officials said in a press release that they "determined this voluntary suspension of activities is in the best interest of the health and safety of patrons and employees, and will provide management an opportunity to review and update best practices based on what is currently known about this public health situation." “We will continue to monitor developments, relying on information and advice from the Minnesota Department of Health and other government resources, and will make a decision on reopening at the appropriate time,” said Canterbury CEO Randy Sampson. |