Frequently Asked Questions
Enterprises
Does the Tribe pay taxes?
As a government, the SMSC uses income from its enterprises to provide services and infrastructure to Community members and their families and to fund SMSC government operations.
Federal taxes paid by SMSC employees are more than $13.35 million, and state taxes are more than $5.9 million annually. The SMSC pays a matching 7.65% Social Security/FICA and Medicare tax.
The SMSC pays $680,000 a year in property taxes on the land it owns in fee status in Scott County. Under an agreement with the State of Minnesota, the SMSC collects sales tax from all the enterprises, half of which is remitted to the state. The SMSC also pays excise taxes on cigarettes, fuel, and liquor. Tribal members pay federal income tax on per capita payments.
All together the SMSC pays millions of dollars in taxes each year.
What economic impact does the SMSC have on the surrounding area?
Millions of dollars are pumped into the area's economy each year as a result of the SMSC's successful enterprises. As the largest employer in the county, the SMSC is a powerful economic force. The SMSC payroll annually is nearly $154 million with an additional $24.7 million in annual benefits for employees. The SMSC pays $171.6 million to vendors annually. The SMSC has spent $738.9 million on construction projects since 1990. The SMSC annual payroll to Scott County residents is nearly $71.6 million.
How many employees does the SMSC have?
As of March 1, 2012, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community employed 4,100 employees at its gaming and non-gaming enterprises, and for the tribal government.
What benefits does the SMSC provide to its employees?
The SMSC provides health benefits on the reservation for its members and employees including access to health clinics, a dental clinic, physical therapy and chiropractic care, and a pharmacy. A vision clinic opened in 2008. Other benefits include Personal Time Off; health, dental, and life insurance; discounted memberships at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness; a retirement plan; a Flexible Health Spending Plan; and discounted childcare at Playworks.
What enterprises does the SMSC have?
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community owns and operates these enterprises: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Little Six Casino, the Mystic Lake Store at the Mall of America, The Meadows at Mystic Lake, Shakopee Dakota Convenience Stores (#1 and #2), Dakotah! Sport and Fitness, Playworks, Playworks LINK Event Center, Dakota Mall, Dakotah Meadows Mini Storage, and Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
