Tribe Considers Options If Gaming Expands In Minnesota

ST. PAUL  (AP) - A lawyer for the tribe that runs Minnesota's most popular casino says it will consider serving alcohol if the Legislature expands gambling in the state.

The Mystic Lake Casino is barred by tribal ordinance from serving alcohol at the gambling complex in Prior Lake. But, if legislators ignore the tribe's opposition to expanded gaming in Minnesota, attorney William Hardacker says the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux plan to compete aggressively, including the possibility of serving alcohol.

Fourteen of Minnesota's 18 tribal casinos serve alcohol, but none are in the metro area. The Legislature is considering a number of bills that could bring video gambling to bars and restaurants across the state or casino-style gaming to horse tracks.

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