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Minnesota Track, Card Room Approved

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Twins City Pioneer Press: "The state gave final approval Wednesday to a deal that will bring not only a harness track but a 24-hour card room to Columbus Township.

"But like most decisions in the more than yearlong process to win the state's blessing for the $47.5 million project in Anoka County, this one too was marked by controversy.

"Though the Minnesota Racing Commission gave final approval to the deal, many members raised questions about the timing of a $50 million investment that effectively gives control of one of the North Metro Harness Initiative's parent companies to a Texas gaming magnate.

"…Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp., in partnership with a subsidiary of West Virginia-based MTR Gaming Corp., was first turned down for the project. But the commission — in a surprise move that is now the subject of litigation in Ramsey County District Court — decided to reconsider.

"Several days after the track was approved Jan. 19, a parent company of Southwest Casino and Hotel announced that a group led by Gordon Graves made a sizable investment and will choose four of the company's five board members, with Graves as chairman. Graves is a Texan who made his fortune manufacturing slot machines.

"Jim Druck, CEO of Southwest Casino and Hotel, said bringing in an outside investor was always part of the deal. He notified the racing commission three days before the commission's denial last September that Graves was interested in joining his company as a board member…"

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