His tenure paralleled the rise of Mystic Lake as the dominant tribal casino in the region. Although his death seems to have opened the door for a change in policy, tribal and community sources say he was aware of the impending change and knew it had to be considered to boost revenue, which has suffered during the economic downturn.Įven so, the change in policy is a sign of the changing of the guard within the band, which Crooks led for 20 years. 25, had been adamantly opposed to selling or profiting from the sale of alcohol at Mystic Lake. Longtime Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Stanley Crooks, who died Aug. 'We look forward to bringing this new offering to our guests.' 'Upon receipt of the necessary approvals and licensing we will make a full announcement of our plans and timeline,' the casino statement said.

The tribe is one of the richest and most influential in the country.

The Mystic Lake permit is still under consideration at the federal level, and the casino will still have to apply to the state for the right to sell retail liquor. 'Adding alcohol service and sales to our Mystic Lake experience has been the most requested feature by our guests over the last 20 years,' Mystic Lake announced in a statement Friday, noting that it has been looking into the issue of alcohol sales for several years. It has long been one of the state's few dry tribal casinos, but after watching revenue suffer along with the economy and years of requests from thirsty guests, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community quietly agreed to a policy change. Mystic Lake Casino is gearing up to begin selling alcohol - even advertising to hire bartenders - as it awaits approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The longstanding ban on alcohol at Minnesota's most popular casino could end soon.

Alcohol at northern lights casino