On Tuesday, March 17, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order closing bars and restaurants and limiting gatherings to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. “This is a challenging time for business owners, employees, children and families alike,” Walz said.
As sovereign nations, the state’s tribal casinos did not have to follow Walz’s mandate, but many did. Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announced it would close the state’s largest casino, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, in Prior Lake, for 14 days starting March 18.
Tribal Chairman Keith Anderson said, “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.”
Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton and Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth voluntarily closed for at least two weeks starting March 18. Fond du Lac Band of Lake Super Chippewa Chairman Kevin Du Puis said, “Our casinos are social hubs where people come to see shows, eat, game and enjoy themselves. We’ve been monitoring the pandemic very closely and feel that it is in the best interests of our guests, our employees and the community at-large to temporarily close.”
The Mille Lacs Tribe closed its Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley. Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Chief Executive Officer Joe Nayquonabe said, “We developed a cross-functional Covid-19 preparedness team that meets regularly. Since Governor Walz’s announcement, we have reflected on the leadership that businesses like ours must demonstrate during a time like this and decided to temporarily close our casino operations in order to keep that protection in place.”
He added, “During the temporary closure, the casinos will continue to pay both salaried and hourly positions. Both properties will also undergo an intense cleaning process to further protect guests and associates upon reopening.” The casinos will provide lunch to needy students.
The Prairie Island Indian Community announced it closed its Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing for two weeks on March 17. Canterbury Park in Shakopee closed, and officials said the venue is “paying all team members two weeks wages while state and federal officials finalize assistance packages and will work to support those with particular challenges through our Employee Emergency Fund.”
Running Aces in Columbus temporarily closed all casino, simulcast, dining and hotel operations, according to its website. Other Minnesota casinos have posted statements on their websites regarding precautions they are taking to stop the spread of disease, following recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
