Shakopee Tribe not taking chances with casino

Monday, June 15, 2009  

As the largest employer in the county, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota isn't taking chances when it comes to gaming.

The tribe doesn't release revenue data from the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. But the region that includes Minnesota showed 4.2 percent growth last year, the National Indian Gaming Commission said in its recent report.

"We are a very conservative organization even though we have gaming," tribal administrator Bill Rudnicki told commissioners in Scott County. "We do not take chances that some of the larger players in the industry take."

Gaming revenues have turned the tribe into the most charitable in Indian Country. Revenues are also being used to repurchase land and start other projects on the reservation.

Get the Story:
It's pain for Vegas, but gain for Mystic Lake (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 6/14)