Minnesota Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
The Minnesota gambling market features a mixture of tribal, state, and commercial gaming. The tribes run casinos and poker rooms, the state offers a lottery, and commercial entities run racetracks.
No form of online gambling in Minnesota is regulated, but you can access hundreds of offshore casinos in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Can you safely play at these unregulated Minnesota online casinos? You will find the answer on this page as I cover the specifics of online gambling in Minnesota.
I will also discuss MN land-based gaming opportunities, including legally playing casino games and making sports bets.
Gambling Highlights
Want to gamble in Minnesota? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state, from online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Tribal Only
Legal Gambling Age
18+
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Offshore only
Land-Based Sports Betting
No
Online Sportsbooks
No
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
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Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?
Key Takeaways
- There are no state-regulated online casinos in Minnesota.
- Gambling at offshore sites is illegal in Minnesota.
- No one has ever been prosecuted for gambling at offshore sites.
- Online and land-based sports betting are still unlawful.
There are many forms of legalized gambling in Minnesota. However, it’s one of the few states that explicitly outlaws gambling online, even at sites licensed elsewhere.
That said, no one has ever been prosecuted in Minnesota for playing at an offshore online casino.
There have been attempts to legalize online sports betting in the past few years, but they have failed every time, including in 2023.
As of right now, the only forms of legal gambling are land-based casinos, horse race betting, the lottery, charitable gambling, and social games.
Best Minnesota Online Casinos in 2024
There are still numerous online casinos licensed outside of Minnesota that accept its players, and I’ve reviewed dozens of them to find the best.
Check out the table below for a comprehensive list of the top real-money online casinos for Minnesota players and how they compare to each other.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Top Online Casinos Reviewed – Key Features
Whether you’re looking for the best slots or table games, there’s an online casino for you. Below are the main features of the top two gambling sites.
Top Minnesota Casino Site for Slots & Casino Games
DuckyLuck Casino is an ideal gambling site for spinning the reels. It has an impressive slot selection, progressive jackpots, and a nice welcome bonus with free spins.
It also has multiple variations of roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as craps and a few lesser-known titles like Card Clash.
It also has a rewards program that gives you perks like cashback, exclusive bonuses, and payout priority.
In addition to table games, DuckyLuck provides cutting-edge live dealer studios where you can find roulette, blackjack, and baccarat with varying betting limits.
Top Features
- Wide selection of slots and table games.
- Superior live dealer studios
- Rewards program with lucrative perks
Top Minnesota Casino Site for Sport Betting
Looking for top-notch sports betting in Minnesota? Bovada stands tall as my go-to choice. With over two decades in the business, it offers a seamless experience for gamblers.
Offering a range of deposit options, dependable software, and swift payouts, Bovada ensures a reliable and engaging betting experience.
Whether you’re into NFL, NBA, College Basketball, UFC, or global sports, Bovada covers it all.
Live betting, unique props, and an array of casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette complement the sportsbook, delivering an all-encompassing betting journey.
Top Features
- Outstanding features for live betting
- Minimal wagering requirements
- Hasty withdrawals
How to Choose the Best Online Casinos
When selecting the best online casinos for Minnesota players, I consider a few key factors. My top picks meet the following criteria.
Online Casino Reputation
I read reviews from varying sources to get a general idea of a site’s reputation.Fast & Reliable Payments
I ensure there are various reliable banking methods and make deposits and withdrawals to experience the process.Site Security & Safety
I look for a license from a reputable source and SSL encryption to ensure your personal information is secure.Games Variety & Quality
I pay close attention to the game selection on a site to see if the titles are diverse and from leading software developers.Quality Bonuses
I read the terms and conditions of the bonuses to verify they are fair and reasonable.
Top Online Casino Games in Minnesota
Although it’s illegal to gamble online in Minnesota, some offshore sites still accept North Star State residents.
Below is a detailed look at the types of games you can find.
Online Slots
Real money online slots are illegal in Minnesota, but they can be accessed at offshore sites.
You can find thousands of titles with unique themes, exciting bonus features, and large progressive jackpots.
Plus, online slots tend to have RTPs of 95% and above and lower bet minimums that can start at just 1¢.
Online Poker
Players from Minnesota can find online poker at offshore sites even though it isn’t legalized.
There are numerous variations on the internet, like Seven-Card Stud, Omaha Hold’ Em, and Jacks or Better.
In addition, you can find tons of tournaments to hop into at your convenience.
Online Blackjack
Although playing blackjack online is illegal in Minnesota, it’s still possible to find games at offshore sites.
Due to its popularity, online casinos typically have multiple variations, like Perfect Pairs, Spanish 21, and European.
You can even find the elusive single-deck, which is rare in casinos nowadays.
Live Dealer Games
Live casino games are the closest thing to actually playing on a real floor.
Instead of traveling, you can log into a real-time table from your couch and feel like you’re in the pit, thanks to HD streaming.
You can find from blackjack and roulette to baccarat and Super 6.
Other Online Casino Games
There are even more online casino games for those in Minnesota. Take a look at some of the other options below.
Minnesota Online Casino Bonuses
When you play online, you unlock a world of perks like casino bonuses. Here are some examples of the categories you’ll find.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Bonuses
The following two are the top promotions for Minnesotans.
225% Up to $8,000 Welcome Package
Sign up at Red Dog Casino to get a 225% match on your first deposit of up to $8,000. The rollover requirements are 40x, and the max payout for this offer is 30x the bonus.
You only need to deposit a minimum of $20 and enter code PATIO on the cashier page to claim this promo.
$7,500 Welcome Bonus + 150 Free Spins
DuckyLuck will give you a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins welcome bonus and 50 free spins a day for three days on select slots.
The rollover requirements are 30x, and the max cashout is 10x the deposit. Just deposit a minimum of $25 and click “claim this promotion.”
Casino Apps
Since online gambling is illegal in Minnesota, there are no state-regulated online casino apps. The only licensed form of online betting is on regulated racebooks.
If you want to play your favorite casino games on the go, some offshore casinos accept residents of the North Star State and have great mobile versions of their sites. You don’t need to download an app to get started.
All you have to do is log in and play right in your browser. The games work just as well, and the sites are optimized for small screens.
Legal Gambling Facts for MN Players
Here are some facts about MN online casinos that you must consider before playing.
- The only gambling sites that will accept Minnesota players are licensed outside of the state.
- You must research before playing at an online casino and only choose trustworthy sites.
- Most offshore sites are licensed in other countries like Malta and Curaçao.
- You can find casino games online that you won’t find in land-based casinos in Minnesota.
- Crypto is often an excellent banking method with offshore sites as it’s quick, secure, and widely accepted.
- Many offshore sites won’t allow you to transfer directly from or to a US bank account.
Minnesota Gambling Laws Summary
Certain forms of gambling are legal in Minnesota. Land-based tribal casinos, racinos, licensed poker rooms, charitable gambling, the lottery, and some social games are accepted.
However, online gambling and sports betting are not legal, with the exception of licensed online racebooks.
Here is a summary of the gambling laws in Minnesota.
| Minnesota Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in Minnesota | The only land-based casinos permitted in Minnesota are tribal casinos. There are 20 locations offering a variety of class III games. The state also has two racetracks with live and electronic table games. |
| Online Gambling | Online gambling is explicitly outlawed in Minnesota, but offshore sites still accept players at the player’s own risk. |
| Sports Betting | Online and retail sports betting are illegal in Minnesota. |
| State Lottery | Minnesota has a state-run lottery offering several games like scratch cards, Powerball, and Print n Play. |
| Charitable Gambling | Registered and licensed non-profits can conduct charitable gambling games in Minnesota, like raffles, bingo, and pull-tabs. |
| Poker | Poker is legal at licensed tribal casinos across the state, with ten poker rooms in operation. Live poker rooms are also available at racetracks. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse racing is legal in Minnesota, and there are two race tracks in the state that provide in-person and online betting. Dog racing is illegal. |
| Fantasy Sports | The law doesn’t address fantasy sports, so it’s a loophole situation. Several sites, like FanDuel and DraftKings, accept entries from Minnesota. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling is legal as long as it’s in a private residence and no rake or fee is collected. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Gambling winnings are subject to Minnesota state income tax at a rate between 5.35% to 9.85% and a federal tax of 24%. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Minnesota’s stance on gambling is compromising. With many forms of gambling legal and some explicitly outlawed, the legislature can be a bit nuanced. I will look closely at laws surrounding gambling in the North Star State.
Land-Based Casinos
Tribal land-based casinos are permitted in Minnesota, but commercial casinos are not. Slots, blackjack, and poker are the only Class III games that they are allowed to provide so you won’t find roulette, craps, or baccarat.
There are 20 tribal casinos in Minnesota owned and operated by 11 tribes. Mystic Lake Casino, located in Shakopee, MN, is known as the Midwest’s largest casino.
It has 4,000 slot machines, 100 blackjack tables, bingo, and electronic table games.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse racing is legal in Minnesota, and two racetracks are in operation. Both of them have in-person betting and licensed online betting platforms.
There are also numerous other online racebooks where Minnesotans can wager on simulcast races, like TwinSpires and DRF Bets Minnesota.
Dog racing is illegal in Minnesota.
Bingo, Lottery, and Charitable Gambling
Bingo is legal in Minnesota when conducted by a tribe or licensed, registered non-profits, and you can find bingo halls all over the state.
Charitable organizations are also allowed to provide other games like raffles, pull-tabs, paddlewheels, and tip boards.
Minnesota has a state-run lottery with various games, including scratch cards, Powerball, MegaMillions, Lotto America, and Gopher 5.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming is legal under a few restrictions. The location owner must not profit from the game, it cannot be a part of a commercialized or organized system, and it may not be advertised.
As long as you’re playing a small game in a private residence with no rake or fee, it’s legal.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is one of the class III games that tribes negotiated with the state to provide in their casinos. However, out of the 20 tribal casinos, only 10 offer poker tables. Standalone poker clubs are illegal in Minnesota.
There are two racetracks that have live poker rooms in Minnesota: Running Aces and Canterbury Park.
Canterbury Park has the biggest poker room with 32 tables, operating 24/7 and offering Limit Hold’em, Limit Omaha, tournaments, and more.
Sports Betting
With the exception of online licensed sites where you can bet on horse races, sports betting is illegal in Minnesota. There have been multiple attempts at passing legislation to bring it to the state.
A 2023 proposal would have given the 11 tribes the right to partner with one platform each, but the state’s two racetracks wanted in on the expanded betting action.
Without being able to come to a compromise, the bill failed to pass.
Casinos in Minnesota
Minnesota has no commercial casinos, but there are 20 tribal casinos throughout the state. The interactive map below shows you all of their locations.
Top Minnesota Casinos
- Mystic Lake
- Jackpot Junction
- Treasure Island Resort & Casino
- Shooting Star Casino
Gambling Summary
- Poker Rooms: 9
- Tribal Casinos: 20
Minnesota Gambling vs. Neighboring States
How does Minnesota’s gambling laws compare to its neighbors’? Let’s take a look at the bordering states and find out.
| State | Is Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Yes | 18+ | Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| North Dakota | Yes | 18-19 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| South Dakota | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Iowa | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Wisconsin | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Compared to surrounding states, Minnesota is slightly more conservative about gambling.
While land-based casinos are legal, it is the only state that doesn’t have sports betting and is one of two that explicitly outlaws online gambling.
The rest of the states have legal grey areas regarding playing at offshore sites.
While the low age limit of 18 does seem like an advantage to gambling in Minnesota, the state leaves it up to the casino to determine how old you have to be to get in the door. Some casinos in the North Star state still require you to be 21.
A Brief History of Minnesota Gambling
Although gambling in many forms already existed in Minnesota, the first attempt to sculpt its landscape began with the legalization of charitable bingo in 1945.
In 1947, lawmakers sought to gain more control by banning the unregulated possession of 8,000+ slot machines scattered throughout the state.
Another law passed in 1963 permitted private, social bets not part of an organized or commercialized operation, allowing Minnesotans to play gambling games at home.
After many years of back and forth, pari-mutuel betting on horse races on track was finally legalized in 1982, and a single thoroughbred track, Canterbury Downs, opened in 1985.
In 1987, the US Supreme Court affirmed Indian Tribes rights to conduct gaming on tribal lands, and Minnesota tribes were the nation’s first to negotiate gaming compacts with the state.
In 1989, the first seven compacts to allow class III games were signed, followed by four more in the coming years. The 11 tribes with compacts now own and operate 20 casinos throughout Minnesota.
After the introduction of the state lottery in 1990, progression in gambling began to stagnate. Not much else has changed, although multiple attempts to legalize sports betting have been made.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
There are several ways to receive help in Minnesota for a gambling addiction. You can visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services to find inpatient and outpatient gambling addiction treatments, as well as a 24-hour helpline and other resources.
You can also reach out to the following organizations:
If you want to know more about the topic, visit our responsible gambling page.
Summary: Minnesota’s Gambling Journey
Minnesota offers a decent variety of gambling options, including land-based tribal casinos, poker rooms, horse race betting, charitable gambling, and social games. On the flip side, it’s also one of the few states to outlaw playing at online casinos explicitly.
However, there has been some progress in the way of online betting. The state is close to coming to an agreement between tribal casinos and the racetracks to allow online and retail sports betting. If it passes, Minnesota could launch sportsbooks as early as 2025.
For now, residents of the North Star State can enjoy plenty of land-based gambling at the 20 local tribal casinos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about gambling in Minnesota? Check out our list of FAQs.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Minnesota?
Tribal casinos are owned and operated by the Native American tribes of Minnesota and offer a mix of slots, blackjack, and poker. There are no commercial casinos in Minnesota.
What are the most popular casino games in Minnesota?
The most popular casino games in Minnesota are slots and blackjack, which are also two of the most widely offered types of gambling in the state.
Are there real money online casinos in Minnesota with no deposit bonuses?
There are offshore sites that accept players from Minnesota that may have no deposit bonuses. Your best bet is to check these sites frequently to see what they have to offer.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of Minnesota?
Playing at online casinos regulated outside of Minnesota is illegal, so there is some risk. However, no one has ever been prosecuted for doing so.
