Minnesota Online Gambling & Casinos
Updated: Sep 24Minnesota’s gambling progress — or lack of it — is almost exclusively tied to the state’s compacts with its Native American tribes.
Minnesota Online Gambling Sites
Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?
Online casino gambling is not legal in Minnesota. Residents have several online social casino options, which offer free online slots and table games for prizes or entertainment, with no real money changing hands.
A handful of social casinos are affiliated with the state’s tribal casinos. Other leading social casino sites such as Chumba and Luckyland are accessible through their websites or online apps. Gambling.com’s top-rated social casinos are listed above.
Minnesota once allowed online sales for lottery and eScratch tickets, but lawmakers voted to terminate electronic sales in 2015. The only legal online wagering available in the state is through advance deposit pari-mutuel horse racing betting platforms such as TVG and TwinSpires.
When Will Minnesota Legalize Online Gambling?
While other states continue to introduce or approve online casino gambling and online sports betting legislation, Minnesota has lagged behind. The primary reason is opposition from anti-gambling groups and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, which helps protect the tribes’ near-monopoly on gambling operations in the state.
It’s difficult to envision Minnesota lawmakers passing an online casino gambling bill anytime soon. A sports betting bill with an online component is more likely but would require significant concessions for the tribes to support it.
Land-Based Casinos in Minnesota
All of Minnesota’s casinos are owned by operated by Native American tribes. The casinos vary in size and are limited in the table games they can offer. The state also has two horse tracks that can offer blackjack and non-banked card games (players play against each other, not the house), such as poker. The tracks are not permitted to offer slots.
A look at each Minnesota tribal casino and race track. Operating hours and available games are subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions.
| Casino | City | Address | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear Casino Resort | Carlton | 1785 Highway 210 | 10 a.m.-2 a.m. |
| Canterbury Park | Shakopee | 1100 Canterbury Road | 24 hours |
| Cedar Lakes Casino | Cass Lake | 6268 Upper Case Frontage Road NW | 24 hours |
| Fond-du-Luth Casino | Duluth | 129 East Superior Street | 10 a.m.-2 a.m. |
| Fortune Bay Resort & Casino | Tower | 1430 Bois Forte Road | Sun-Thu 9 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-3 a.m. |
| Grand Casino Hinckley | Hinckley | 777 Lady Luck Drive | Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-4 a.m.; Fri-Sat open 24 hours |
| Grand Casino Mille Lacs | Onamia | 777 Grand Avenue | Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-4 a.m.; Fri-Sat open 24 hours |
| Grand Portage Lodge & Casino | Grand Portage | 70 Casino Drive | 10 a.m.-midnight |
| Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel | Morton | 39375 County Road 24 | Sun-Thu 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 8 a.m.-3 a.m. |
| Little Six Casino | Prior Lake | 2450 Sioux Trail NW | 24 hours |
| Mystic Lake Casino Hotel | Prior Lake | 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard NW | 24 hours |
| Northern Lights Casino & Hotel | Walker | 6800 Y Frontage Road NW | 24 hours |
| Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort | Granite Falls | 5616 Prairie’s Edge Lane | 24 hours |
| Running Aces | Columbus | 15201 Running Aces Boulevard | 24 hours |
| Seven Clans Casino Red Lake | Red Lake | 10200 Highway 89 | Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-midnight; Fri 10 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-midnight |
| Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls | Thief River Falls | 20595 Center Street East | 8 a.m.-3 a.m. |
| Seven Clans Casino Warroad | Warroad | 34966 605th Avenue | 8 a.m.-3 a.m. |
| Shooting Star Casino Bagley | Bagley | 13325 340th Street | Sun-Thu 11 a.m.- midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m. |
| Shooting Star Casino Mahnomen | Mahnomen | 777 Casino Road | 24 hours |
| Treasure Island Resort & Casino | Welch | 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road | 24 hours |
| White Oak Casino | Deer River | 45830 US-2 | 24 hours |
Black Bear Casino Resort
Address: 1785 Highway 210, Carlton
Website: www.blackbearcasinoresort.com
Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 1,800 slots, blackjack, poker games, bingo.
Canterbury Park
Address: 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee
Website: www.canterburypark.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: Live thoroughbred racing, simulcast wagering, blackjack, baccarat, poker room. Located 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
Cedar Lakes Casino
Address: 6268 Upper Case Frontage Road NW, Cass Lake
Website: www.cedarlakescasino.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 500 slots, blackjack, poker, bingo. Opened August 2019, replacing Palace Casino.
Fond-du-Luth Casino
Address: 129 East Superior Street, Duluth
Website: www.fondduluthcasino.com
Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 650 slots, blackjack, located in downtown Duluth.
Fortune Bay Resort & Casino
Address: 1430 Bois Forte Road, Tower
Website: www.fortunebay.com
Hours of operation: Sun-Thur 9 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-3 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 800 slots, blackjack, poker room, located about 40 miles south of Canadian border.
Grand Casino Hinckley
Address: 777 Lady Luck Drive, Hinckley
Website: www.grandcasinomn.com
Hours of operation: Mon-Thur 9 a.m.-4 a.m.; Fri-Sat open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 2,000 slots, blackjack, poker, bingo.
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
Address: 777 Grand Avenue, Onamia
Website: www.grandcasinomn.com
Hours of operation: Mon-Thur 9 a.m.-4 a.m.; Fri-Sat open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 1,800 slots, blackjack, poker room, bingo.
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Address: 70 Casino Drive, Grand Portage
Website: www.grandportage.com
Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-midnight
Gaming options: More than 425 slots, blackjack, located 27 miles from Canadian border.
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel
Address: 39375 County Road 24, Morton
Website: www.jackpotjunction.com
Hours of operation: Sun-Thur 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 8 a.m.-3 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 1,200 slots, blackjack, poker, bingo.
Little Six Casino
Address: 2450 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake
Website: www.littlesixcasino.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: 800 slots, blackjack, located 1.1 miles from Mystic Lake Casino and 26 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard NW, Prior Lake
Website: www.mysticlake.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: Largest casino in Minnesota with more than 4,000 slots, 100 blackjack tables, bingo. Located six miles from Canterbury Park, 20 miles from Mall of America.
Northern Lights Casino & Hotel
Address: 6800 Y Frontage Road NW, Walker
Website: www.northernlightscasino.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 900 slots, blackjack, poker room.
Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort
Address: 5616 Prairie’s Edge Lane, Granite Falls
Website: www.prairiesedgecasino.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 1,000 slots, blackjack, poker.
Running Aces
Address: 15201 Running Aces Boulevard, Columbus
Website: www.runaces.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: Live harness racing and simulcast wagering; blackjack, baccarat, poker room. Located about 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Seven Clans Casino Red Lake
Address: 10200 Highway 89, Red Lake
Website: www.sevenclanscasino.com/casino/red-lake
Hours of operation: Mon-Thur 10 a.m.-midnight; Fri 10 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-midnight
Gaming options: More than 300 slots, bingo. One of three Seven Clans casinos located in the northern part of the state.
Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls
Address: 20595 Center Street East, Thief River Falls
Website: www.sevenclanscasino.com/casino/thief-river-falls
Hours of operation: 8 a.m.-3 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 600 slots, blackjack.
Seven Clans Casino Warroad
Address: 34966 605th Avenue, Warroad
Website: www.sevenclanscasino.com/casino/warroad
Hours of operation: 8 a.m.-3 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 580 slots, blackjack, poker room.
Shooting Star Casino Bagley
Address: 13325 340th Street, Bagley
Website: www.starcasino.com/bagley
Hours of operation: Sun-Thur 11 a.m.- midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Gaming options: More than 170 slots. One of two Shooting Star casinos in northwest portion of state.
Shooting Star Casino Mahnomen
Address: 777 Casino Road, Mahnomen
Website: www.starcasino.com/Mahnomen
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 1,000 slots, blackjack, poker, bingo.
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Address: 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch
Website: www.ticasino.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 2,200 slots, blackjack, baccarat, poker room, bingo. Located 40 miles south of Twin Cities.
White Oak Casino
Address: 45830 US-2, Deer River
Website: www.whiteoakcasino.com
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Gaming options: More than 300 slots, blackjack.
Will Every Casino in Minnesota Offer Online Gambling?
None are currently permitted to. It will be up to the tribes that own and operate the state’s casinos to determine if they want to renegotiate their gaming compacts to add online gambling sites. None have expressed interest so far.
Will Online Casino Apps Launch in Minnesota?
All casino operators in states that allow online gambling have launched online casino apps. The apps allow players to place wagers from their mobile devices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere inside the state.
The online casino apps are available for both Android and iOS operating systems. They are free to download and available on the casino websites or through the App Store.
Expected Online Casino Games to Launch in Minnesota
If Minnesota were to launch online gambling sites, Minnesota players should expect to find most if not all of the following options available.
Online Poker: Online cash games and tournament play are available in several states. Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey share online poker player pools, which increases the number of available players.
Lottery: Minnesota was the first state to sell instant-play lottery games on the Internet and a subscription service for draw games. However, state lawmakers voted to terminate online sales in 2015.
Online Slots: Most of the popular traditional casino slot machine games are available online, including a large selection of progressive slots. Many online slot operators allow free play until players are ready to wager for real money.
Online Roulette: Several classic and variations of roulette are offered, with European and French Roulette providing more favorable odds to the player than the American version.
Online Blackjack: The most popular table game offers several variations online with lower minimum bets.
Live Dealer: Some states offer live dealer games in which table games are dealt by a live person from a studio location. The action is streamed to your computer or mobile device and allows players to live chat with the dealer and other players at the table.
How to Deposit and Withdraw from MN Gambling Sites
States that allow online gambling provide several deposit and withdrawal options. The most common payment methods listed below. Deposits can be instantaneous, withdrawals generally take longer.
E-wallets: Popular accounts such as PayPal and Neteller are easy to set up and allow players to transfer money in and out of their online gambling accounts for low fees.
Bank transfer/ACH: Bank transfers can be executed through your local bank; ACH is a form of electronic check. Both work for deposits and withdrawals, generally for reasonable fees. Transactions may take longer to process than other methods.
Credit/debit cards: Most frequently used option for deposits. Be aware that some financial institutions may not approve gambling transactions as a matter of policy and withdrawals via credit card are usually not permitted.
Play+/prepaid cards: Play+ was created for this exact purpose. You can deposit on to the card with a credit card or bank account and then move the funds into your casino site account. When you want to cash out, you can move the funds back on to the Play+ card from your casino account and access the money at an ATM Prepaid cards are widely accepted and available through online payment giants such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Several online casinos operators offer their own branded prepaid cards.
PayNearMe: Deposit-only option that transfers cash to your online gambling account by scanning a barcode at a nearby 7-Eleven, CVS, Family Dollar or other participating location.
Bonuses to be Offered in Minnesota
The most frequent bonuses in states with legal online gambling:
No-deposit bonus: A small welcome bonus placed into your account just for signing up.
Deposit match: Make an initial deposit and your online casino operator will match that amount up to 100%. Generally, the bonus money must be wagered a specific number of times before it can be unlocked, usually in increments, and not all games count the same toward satisfy the requirements. Be sure to read the terms and conditions.
Free spins: Offered on certain slot machines or new slot games.
Freerolls: Free entry into various tournaments.
Loyalty rewards: Points are awarded which can be redeemed for cash or prizes. The higher your level of wagers at a specific online casino, the greater the rewards.
Minnesota Gambling Timeline
The state’s first gambling laws were introduced in 1945, and Governor Luther Youngdahl outlaws slot machines despite their popularity. Here’s what’s happened since.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Minnesota
Minnesota Sports Betting
While more than half of the states in the U.S. have approved or implemented some form of sports betting, Minnesota has seen little progress.
Sports betting legislation was introduced in the Minnesota House and Senate in 2019 and 2020 but failed to gain any momentum. The state’s Native American tribes oppose the addition of sports betting and have questioned the economic benefit it would provide to its casinos and communities.
In a move to help gain tribal support, a sports betting bill in the Minnesota Senate was amended to require in-person registration at the state’s tribal casinos to open a mobile sports wagering account. The tribes, however, continue to oppose the bill. In a letter to state lawmakers, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association said the tribes “remain concerned that a legal sports betting market could have negative consequences to the state’s delicate gaming industry.’’
When Will Minnesota Legalize Online Sports Betting?
It may happen eventually, but for now sports betting legislation in Minnesota continues to languish.
Most likely, state lawmakers will need to strike a deal with the tribes to create a pathway for in-person and online sports betting. Doing so may require significant concessions to gain their support, and the tribes will need to acknowledge the potential benefits of sports betting revenue. The alternative is the continued outward flow of Minnesota sports betting dollars to neighboring Iowa and other states.
Daily Fantasy Sports Betting in Minnesota
Like several other states, Minnesota operates in a gray area with Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). No state law specifically addresses or prohibits DFS, so major operators DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo all accept Minnesota accounts.
In 2018, a bill to legalize, regulate and define DFS as a game of skill rather than gambling failed to pass the House.
Horse Betting in Minnesota
Minnesota has a pair of horse tracks that offer live racing and simulcast wagering. Canterbury Park in Shakopee opened in 1985 and offers thoroughbred racing. Running Aces in Columbus opened in 2008 and is a harness racing facility.
Both tracks are permitted to offer blackjack in addition to “non-banked’’ card games (players compete against other players, not the house), such as poker. The tracks are not authorized to offer video gaming or slot machines. In 2012, Canterbury Park entered into a 10-year agreement with nearby Mystic Lake Casino to increase horse racing purses and work together to protect both their gambling interests. The agreement expires on Dec. 31, 2022.
Minnesota residents are permitted to bet on horse racing through advance deposit wagering platforms such as TVG, Twin Spires, NYRA Bets and Xpressbet.
Expected Online Sportsbooks to Launch in Minnesota
Unless a deal with the tribes leads to a change in state law, there are no immediate plans for online sportsbooks in Minnesota. For now, the tribes continue to oppose all forms of sports betting.
What Sports Can I Bet On When Minnesota Legalizes Sports Betting?
If sports betting becomes legal, Minnesota is likely to adopt the same guidelines as other legal betting states. That means wagering on just about all major professional, collegiate and international sports, such as football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, motorsports, boxing, mixed martial arts and others.
Latest MN Gambling News
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References
- Minnesota Gambling Control Board (Nov. 15, 2020). Retrieved Nov. 15, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
- US Department of Justice (Jan. 24,2020). Retrieved Feb. 6, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
- American Gaming Association (n.d.). Retrieved Feb. 5, 2020, from https://www.americangaming.org/
- National Council on Problem Gambling (n.d.). Retrieved Feb 6, 2020, from https://www.ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/resources/
- International Association of Gaming Regulators (n.d.). Retrieved Feb. 1, 2020 from https://www.iagr.org/
FAQ
Can you gamble online in Minnesota?
Online casino gambling and online sports betting are not legal in Minnesota, but you can wager on horse racing.
What is the legal gambling age in Minnesota?
Players must be 18 or older to wager at tribal casinos, play the state lottery or participate in pari-mutuel betting. Some tribal casinos that serve alcohol may impose a minimum age of 21.
What Minnesota casinos are eligible for a gaming license?
Only federally recognized Native American tribes that negotiate and sign a gambling compact with the state are eligible for a casino license in Minnesota.
What forms of gambling are allowed in Minnesota?
Tribal casinos allow slots, some table games, poker and bingo. The state’s two racetracks offer pari-mutuel wagering, blackjack and poker. Electronic pull tab machines are available at various locations. Minnesota also operates a state lottery.
Do I need to live in Minnesota to online gamble once it goes live?
If Minnesota follows the lead of other states, players will be able set up an account from anywhere but must be physically located within Minnesota state lines to place a legal wager.
Why do some sites have online casino offers in Minnesota?
Some may be from social casinos, which are legal and offer free online slots and table games, with no actual money changing hands. Other offers may be from offshore-based online casinos or sportsbooks, which are not legal, provide no regulation or consumer protections, and should be avoided.
Where can I gamble in Minnesota?
At any of the state’s 19 tribal casinos located across the state or at Canterbury Downs or Running Aces horse tracks.
Can I bet on sports online in Minnesota?
No forms of sports betting are permitted in Minnesota.
Who will regulate online gambling in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Gambling Control Board regulates the state’s charitable gambling industry. The Minnesota Racing Commission regulates pari-mutuel wagering and card playing. State legislators would determine which agency regulates online gambling.
Will online gambling in Minnesota be safe once legal?
Yes, provided you are playing with an online gambling site that is licensed and regulated by the appropriate state agency, which ensures the integrity of all online games and equipment.
How will Minnesota tax my gambling winnings?
All gambling winnings are subject to federal tax, according to the IRS. Minnesota imposes a state income tax on winnings ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%, depending on your taxable income level.
Contributors
Hi, I'm Ron Fritz
"Three decades covering online gaming, news and sports. My expertise is government and legislation, breaking down the latest online gambling industry developments to keep you in the know."
- Gambling legislation
- Online casinos
- Gambling industry
Reviewer since July 2019
