Slot Machines at Mystic Lake and Across the State Get Little Scrutiny

The state's casinos, including , have gone years without inspections, even with three employees on the job, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Wisconsin, with a staff of 15, audits every casino once every 18 months, the Star Tribune said.

The purpose of sending state inspectors to the floors of the casinos is to protect the integrity of the games and provide deterrents for mischief, according to the Star-Tribune.

An official with the state's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division told the Star Tribune they plan to start addressing the issue by sending inspectors to review audited tribal financial reports on gambling. Mystic Lake, which recently notified the agency that its latest reports are available, will be the first in line, the Star-Tribune report says. 

Mystic Lake is Minnesota's largest casino with more than 4,000 slot machines including the most penny slots in Minnesota and the newest high-limit slot area in the Midwest, according to its website. It also boasts the most blackjack tables in the state.

With the Minnesota legislative session starting Jan. 24, Rep. Michael Beard, R-Shakopee, has said he and other Republicans plan to push a Racino bill, which if passed, could put approximately 4,000 slot machines in at  and at Running Aces Harness Park near Forest Lake, MN. But, even if the Racino bill were to pass the Senate, the House and Gov. Mark Dayton would have to sign off on it to make it happen. Dayton said last week, he thought it could be years before racino gaming would happen due to legal challenges that could arise.

Racino gaming is currently legal in 12 states and in Canada, according to Racino Now, a non-profit organization advocating for racino legislation to pass in Minnesota.