Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Gaming Enterprise, which includes Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino, has been awarded the 2017 TIPS Award of Excellence from Health Communications, Inc. (HCI), the providers of the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Program. Since 2012, Mystic Lake and Little Six have provided the TIPS responsible alcohol training program to team members, helping them build positive prevention and intervention skills.

“The SMSC Gaming Enterprise is dedicated to providing a pleasant and safe environment for our guests to enjoy all that Mystic Lake and Little Six have to offer,” said Angela Heikes, President/CEO of the SMSC Gaming Enterprise. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our training staff and team members every day to assure responsible alcohol service.”

The SMSC Gaming Enterprise is one of four award recipients nationally in the casino and gaming category for its successful TIPS responsible alcohol training program. Since the SMSC Gaming Enterprise began using the TIPS program, it has provided 473 classes and certified 3,380 team members. Eight Gaming Enterprise staff are currently certified TIPS program trainers.

ABOUT THE TIPS RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL TRAINING PROGRAM

This award is chosen by an internal committee from Health Communications based on both volume of TIPS training and feedback from TIPS trainers and participants. The TIPS for Gaming program builds skills, instills confidence, and empowers casino employees to intervene in alcohol-related situations and ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly and legally. Employees and managers who are certified in TIPS are able to prevent sales to minors, recognize signs of intoxication, effectively intervene to prevent problem situations, and handle refusal situations with greater confidence.

ABOUT THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY GAMING ENTERPRISE

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Gaming Enterprise includes Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino, both located 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul in Prior Lake. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County. The SMSC Gaming Enterprise and its casinos maintain a strong commitment to responsible gaming.

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the premier gaming facility in the Midwest, continually creates new, fun and exciting entertainment experiences for its guests. Mystic Lake® offers gaming, three lively bars, exceptional dining at seven restaurants, headline performers, unique special events and luxurious accommodations. Little Six Casino is the smaller, more intimate gaming enterprise owned by the SMSC.  With beginnings as a bingo hall in 1982, Little Six Casino offers casino games, fun promotions, and a full-service restaurant and bar.