Gambling in Minnesota

Minnesota

While Minnesota is widely known by its nickname of ‘Land-of-10 000-Lakes’ gambling in Minnesota feels occasionally like it offers just as many betting options for its residents and many visitors. Other than being the number one state in the nation for charitable gambling, the state offers more than 20 Tribal Casinos, Poker Rooms, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), Horse Racing and a State Lottery.

Minnesota online sports betting is still under debate at this time. The most recent attempt to legalize it fell short for the third straight year in 2022.

Minnesota Casino Gambling

Gambling laws in Minnesota clearly allow for bricks-and-mortar land-based Tribal casinos on First American lands. Private parties and the state cannot operate casinos in the state.

Minnesota’s 20 Tribal casinos offer slots, blackjack, baccarat, poker and video gaming machines. In total, you’ll find more than 22 500 slots and gaming machines available at Minnesota’s casinos and almost 300 table games.

It’s worthwhile to note that Minnesota’s casinos that serve alcohol have a minimum legal gambling age of 21, whilst those casinos that choose not to make alcohol available to its patrons have a minimum gambling age of 18.

Online Casinos in Minnesota

Gambling online with casino games is not yet legal in Minnesota. The state will need to enact online gambling laws and draft legislation to authorize the leisure activity. Legislators will also need to create some sort of regulatory system to ensure the safety and security of players and gaming operators in the state.

For now, State lawmakers haven’t had the opportunity to address the legality of online casino games and create online casino laws.

Poker in Minnesota

Live Poker in Minnesota (available at some tribal casinos and racetracks), and unlicensed ‘Home’ Poker games and other forms of unlicensed games are played widely.

Minnesota has more lenient than average social poker laws. Private home tournaments can be held so long as the host isn’t profiting (either directly or indirectly) on the betting action. The main stipulation of Minnesota’s social gaming law is that no individual can win more than $200 in a given day.

Poker can also be played in Minnesota through charity-based tournaments. As per the home and social games law, prizes must be capped to avoid violating the North Star State’s gambling laws.

Poker Rooms

Live Poker in Minnesota is conducted in 11 of the states Tribal Casinos, and both of the state’s racetracks feature live poker along with other table games.

Online Poker Laws

Currently, Minnesota’s online players are unable to play Poker online, however, as there are no specific laws written on the subject. The assumption is that online poker is illegal. We will advise you of any potential change in the status of legal online poker change in Minnesota.

The state’s potential online gamblers can, however, place wagers online for the Minnesota State Lottery, DFS competitions and horse and greyhound racing.

History of Online & Land-Based Gambling in Minnesota

1945; Charitable Gambling (Bingo at first) legalized in Minnesota.

1947; Anti-slot machine law enacted.

1972; State Lottery begins in Minnesota.

1978; Paddlewheels, raffles and tip-boards legalized for charitable gaming purposes. Pull-tabs would be added in 1981.

1981; Federal Court allows Minnesota tribes to operate bingo.

1982; Horse racing legalized in Minnesota.

1983; Minnesota Racing Commission created.

1986; Video Gaming Machines appear in Tribal Casinos. Blackjack and other table games added in 1991.

1999; Live poker and other card games first offered at Minnesota racetracks.

2012; Electronic gambling devices allowed in football stadiums to fund stadium development.

Visit Our Page on Minnesota’s Online Sports Betting Laws for Our list of the top online sportsbooks in Minnesota