Running Aces Is This Summer’s Best Bargain

By Tim Cotroneo

It’s better than even money that the Running Aces Casino & Racetrack is this summer’s best bargain. Running Aces offers a jackpot of indoor/outdoor experiences that will have you wondering why you waited so long to check out this north metro entertainment treasure.

Pick a night of the week and Running Aces has something that will quicken your pulse, feed your palette, or have your party buzzing. First time and regular customers can enjoy harness racing, $1 Blackjack, Texas Hold’em Poker, the Trout Air Fishing Experience, a robust dining menu, and live music. This immaculate, friendly, and bright entertainment venue is unlike any casino you’ve been to before.

When was the last time you heard the word bright used to describe a casino? As you walk through the front entrance, your eyes will veer left at their all-glass southern exterior which delivers an awesome view of the Running Aces pristine harness racing track. The goal is a friendly casino and racing experience in a vibrant indoor/outdoor environment.

A Customer Service Payday

Aaron Bedessem, Running Aces Director of Marketing, came on board when the casino and racetrack first opened in 2008. To give you an idea the caliber of person, personality, and heart that greets Running Aces customers, Bedessem has a resume that is second to none. When he’s not promoting his 650-employee entertainment venue, Bedessem is a Special Olympics Coach. Smiling, generous, and top-notch customer service is second nature to Bedessem and his team.

When a first-time visitor checked out Running Aces on a 78-degree weekday in July, Bedessem couldn’t wait to show and explain why his home away from home is friendly to the gambler, the novice, and the individual looking to show an out of town guest a new way to enjoy Minnesota.

“Once you’ve visited the Mall of America, a lot of Minnesotans are at a loss for showing an out-state relative, business client, or friend a good time. Running Aces is a best kept secret for revealing a new slice of Minnesota life,” Bedessem said.

Tuesday Night Entertainment – Idea Number One

Running Aces Tuesday Dollar Night is the perfect experience for first-timers. Expect free admission, free parking, and then pick your favorite table for experiencing harness horse racing. Harness racing comes at you with a steady stream of races with little delays. Tuesdays mean dollar hot dogs, dollar sodas, two-dollar beers, and racing bets as low as a dollar. It’s almost impossible to not have a good time and it’s 50-50 that you go home with money in your pocket.

If Tuesdays aren’t enough, you’ll also find Harness Racing excitement on Saturdays and Sundays. The best part is that it is family friendly and smoke-free.

Trout Air Entertainment – Idea Number Two

Your out of town guests heard a rumor that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is great for fishing. Unfortunately, they don’t have a fishing license. Running Aces has you covered.

For decades Trout Air was known as a great generational bonding experience. Running Aces is now home to Trout Air. Next to the casino’s north entrance you’ll find a pond with fresh trout and cane poles at the ready. For about $20 the Trout Air staff will bait your hook and wait for you to pull in dinner. Once caught, the Running Aces kitchen will clean and prepare your dinner. Imagine eating fresh trout that you caught yourself without the hassle. This is an Only in Minnesota experience.

Blackjack At Your Own Pace Entertainment – Idea Number Three

You’ve got a Vegas trip planned, but your spouse or buddy has never gambled. What’s the best way for someone to learn blackjack in a no-pressure environment?

Running Aces introduces Community Card one-dollar blackjack for the novice and even the experienced player. The shoe is dealt by a live dealer, but you’re playing on an individual terminal with your own screen. The dealer keeps you posted on making a bet, and when the dealer is ready to reveal his or her cards. This fresh blackjack scenario is great for the novice and is also perfect for the player who likes to fly under the radar. Plus, with a one dollar minimum, you have the option of taking your time before enlarging your bankroll.

In addition to blackjack, Running Aces card room also offers Texas Hold’em poker, Mississippi Stud, and Pai Gow. For those seeking a big money payoff, the Main Hold’em Progressive currently delivers a payout of $200,000.

Live Music And Local Vendors Entertainment – Idea Number Four

When was the last time you heard a live band or went to a comedy show? Running Aces offers live entertainment each Saturday evening. From country, to rock, to the best comedians, Running Aces delivers great entertainment. 

Running Aces also is loyal to our local vendors. If you enjoy locally brewed craft beer, local wines, and delicious food prepared right here in Minnesota, Running Aces makes a point of partnering with vendors whose roots are planted in Minnesota.

Head North For Fun Times

If you’re looking for a fresh diversion to cap off your summer, check out the Running Aces Casino & Racetrack. Located just before Forest Lake as you head north on Highway 35W or 35E, Running Aces is the place to go for Harness Horse Racing, Trout Air Fishing, Live Music, and your favorite card games. Expect a clean, friendly, and bright venue that is this summer’s best bet for an entertainment bargain. http://www.runaces.com/