Get 7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 FREE Sweepstakes Coins @ Sign Up
Promo Code: PLAYBONUS
Up to 220,000 Gold Coins & 10 Sweepstakes Coins
Promo Code: Click To Claim
250k Gold Coins & $25 Stake Cash
Promo Code: WINBONUS
Welcome to your ultimate guide to Minnesota online casinos! If you’re eager to start playing all the newest slots and classic table games like blackjack and roulette, then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about online casino gaming in the North Star State. From legalities and regulations to choosing the right casino and learning the best strategies, we’ve got you covered. Now, let’s dive right in!
Are Online Casinos Legal in Minnesota?
Online casino gambling is not currently legal in Minnesota. The state does not issue licenses to virtual casinos that offer real-money wagering, and these types of platforms are not allowed to operate within Minnesota’s borders. Minnesota’s strict gambling laws prohibit all forms of online betting, with the only exception being pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing through licensed advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites.
However, Minnesota casino enthusiasts still have several ways to get in on the action and plenty of different options to choose from. The state is home to 19 tribal casinos, owned and operated by the state’s 11 federally-recognized Native American tribes, which are allowed to offer slot machines, blackjack, poker, and bingo. In addition, the state’s two horse racing tracks are authorized to offer blackjack and non-banked card games (i.e., card games played against each other and not the house).
Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are also completely legal in the North Star State. These free-to-play platforms offer a wide range of virtual casino-style games, do not involve real-money wagering, and often give players a chance to win real cash prizes and other exciting rewards. We will discuss social and sweepstakes casinos in greater detail in the next section.
What Are the Different Types of Minnesota Casinos?
To help simplify things we have divided Minnesota casinos into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos, and land-based casinos. The major similarities and differences between these types of casinos, as well as their current availability in the state of Minnesota, are discussed below.
Real-Money Online Casinos
Real-money online casinos are virtual gambling platforms where players can wager and win actual money through online games. These casinos operate over the internet, allowing users to access a wide range of casino games, such as slots, table games, and live dealer games, from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go via mobile devices. Players create accounts, deposit funds, and place real-money bets on various games, with the opportunity to cash out their winnings at any time.
Unfortunately, real-money online casinos are currently unavailable in Minnesota and not allowed to accept players from within the state’s borders. In fact, there are currently only seven states that have legalized these types of platforms: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
As a result, Minnesotans will need to travel east and visit one of these states to gain access to real-money online casinos or simply wait until new legislation is passed that permits online casino gambling in their home state.
Social & Sweepstakes Casinos
Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos offer a slightly different type of online gaming experience. These platforms are very similar to real-money online casinos in that they offer a wide range of casino-style games and can be easily accessed on your mobile device, tablet, or laptop.
However, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos do not offer real-money wagering and instead allow players to place bets on games using virtual currencies or in-game tokens, giving players a chance to explore the hottest new games on the market and practice their skills without risking any of their hard-earned money.
In addition, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos often give users a chance to win cash, digital gift cards, merchandise, and other incredible prizes. These types of platforms operate using an innovative sweepstakes model and are completely legal in Minnesota and the vast majority of U.S. states and jurisdictions.
Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos are physical establishments where people can gamble and engage in various casino games. These casinos are typically large entertainment complexes that house a wide array of gaming options and often offer additional amenities, such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment venues. Visitors play with real money, exchange cash for chips or credits, and can cash out their winnings in the form of cash or electronic payouts.
There are currently 19 land-based casinos in Minnesota that are owned by Native American tribes. These gaming facilities are authorized to conduct class II gaming (i.e., bingo and non-banked card games) under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and may also offer blackjack and video games of chance as a result of their negotiated gaming compacts with the state of Minnesota.
In addition, Minnesota is home to two racinos (Canterbury Park and Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack), each of which offers poker, table games, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing events. However, despite considerable efforts over the years to expand their game offerings, the state’s racinos are not currently allowed to offer slot machines.
List Of The Best Minnesota Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos
Minnesota residents currently have access to all of the top U.S. social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. Here are a few of the platforms that stand out from the crowd and are sure to provide a top-tier online gaming experience:
BetRivers.Net
- Available States: All 50 U.S. States
- Full Review: BetRivers.Net Review
BetRivers.Net, not to be confused with the BetRivers online casino that offers real-money wagering, has established itself as one of the top social casinos in the United States and beyond. The platform offers over 450 free online casino games, including slots, table games, keno, video poker, blackjack, live dealer options, and bingo. BetRivers.Net also provides frequent bonus opportunities and promotions in order to enhance the overall gaming experience.
Chumba Casino
- Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
- Full Review: Chumba Casino Review
Another popular platform is Chumba Casino, which is owned and operated by VGW Malta Limited. Chumba Casino gives players access to a fantastic selection of virtual slots with a wide range of themes, gameplay mechanics, and bonus features. In addition, the platform offers excellent customer service, a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a generous welcome offer to all new players.
LuckyLand Slots
- Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
- Full Review: LuckyLand Slots Review
Along with Chumba Casino and Global Poker, LuckyLand Slots is a member of the Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) family. The platform officially launched in January 2019 and has quickly become one of the top social gaming destinations in North America. LuckyLand Slots provides well over 100 casino-style games to its users, has one of the best customer loyalty programs in the industry, and allows players to quickly redeem their virtual coins for real cash prizes at any time.
WOW Vegas
- Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
- Full Review: WOW Vegas Review
Last but not least, WOW Vegas provides a virtual casino gaming experience like no other. The site offers more than 300 casino games from three of the top software providers and developers in the industry (3 Oaks, Betsoft, and Pragmatic Play). In addition, players will also enjoy a wide range of bonus opportunities, including daily login rewards, referral programs, social media contests, weekly giveaways, and much more.
List Of Minnesota Land-Based Casinos
Although online casino gambling is not yet available in Minnesota, the state is home to nearly two dozen gaming facilities that offer slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and more. These physical gambling establishments provide a vibrant and immersive gambling experience where visitors can wager real money and potentially win life-changing money.
Minnesota’s land-based casinos can be divided into two categories: tribal casinos and racinos. Tribal casinos are owned and operated by the state’s 11 federally-recognized Native American tribes, and they are located on tribal lands and regulated by tribal gaming authorities and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Racinos, on the other hand, are gaming facilities associated with horse racing track where visitors can enjoy casino-style gaming alongside live horse racing events.
Here is a full list of Minnesota’s land-based casinos:
Tribal Casinos
Tribal Casino | Location | Owner |
Black Bear Casino Resort | Carlton, MN | Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Cedar Lakes Casino | Cass Lake, MN | Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Fond-du-Luth Casino | Duluth, MN | Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Fortune Bay Resort Casino | Tower, MN | Bois Forte Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Grand Casino Hinckley | Hinckley, MN | Mille Lacs Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Grand Casino Mille Lacs | Onamia, MN | Mille Lacs Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino | Grand Portage, MN | Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel | Morton, MN | Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota |
Little Six Casino | Prior Lake, MN | Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota |
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel | Prior Lake, MN | Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota |
Northern Lights Casino | Walker, MN | Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort | Granite Falls, MN | Upper Sioux Community |
Seven Clans Casino Red Lake | Red Lake, MN | Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians |
Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls | Thief River Falls, MN | Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians |
Seven Clans Casino Warroad | Warroad, MN | Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians |
Shooting Star Casino Hotel | Mahnomen, MN | White Earth Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Shooting Star Casino Bagley | Bagley, MN | White Earth Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Treasure Island Resort & Casino | Welch, MN | Prairie Island Indian Community in the State of Minnesota |
White Oak Casino | Deer River, MN | Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe |
Racinos
Racino | Location |
Canterbury Park | Shakopee, MN |
Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack | Columbus, MN |
Can I Use Offshore Casinos in Minnesota?
Although you may come across some websites that claim to offer real-money casino gambling to Minnesota residents, these platforms, commonly known as offshore casinos, are not legal or regulated in the state. Engaging with offshore casinos carries legal uncertainties and serious risks, a few of which are listed and explained below.
- Lack of Legal Protections: Offshore casinos operate outside the jurisdiction of Minnesota and the United States, which means they do not have to adhere to the same legal requirements and player protections as licensed and regulated casinos within the state. This lack of legal oversight can expose players to potential risks such as unfair gaming practices, non-payment of winnings, or inadequate security measures to protect personal and financial information.
- Limited Recourse & Dispute Resolution: Engaging with offshore casinos can present difficulties in resolving disputes or seeking recourse in the event of issues. As these platforms are located outside the legal jurisdiction of Minnesota, players may encounter obstacles when trying to address concerns related to unfair practices, payment disputes, or other conflicts. The lack of a regulated framework can hinder the ability to obtain a fair resolution or recover any potential losses.
- Potential Violation of State or Federal Law: While the legal implications for individual players engaging with offshore casinos are not entirely clear, it is possible that participating in such activities could be seen as a violation of state or federal laws. Although enforcement targeting individual players is rare, it is important to be aware of the potential legal risks involved.
To ensure a safe and secure gaming experience, it is advisable to stick to the legal and regulated options available within Minnesota. This includes visiting the state’s authorized tribal casinos and racinos or signing up with social casinos and sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and WOW Vegas.
How To Sign Up for a Minnesota Online Casino
Time needed: 5 minutes
When you’re ready to start playing all your favorite slots and table games for a chance to win big, just follow the five simple steps outlined below!
- Choose Your Minnesota Social Casino or Sweepstakes Casino
Explore the available options and select the social casino or sweepstakes casino that suits your preferences. Consider factors such as game variety, user experience, and available promotions. We highly recommend BetRivers.net, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and WOW Vegas.
- Sign Up for an Account
Visit the website or download the mobile app of your chosen social or sweepstakes casino. Look for a “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button and click on it. Fill out the registration form with the required information, including your name, email address, and date of birth. Choose a unique username and secure password, and agree to the Terms & Conditions to finish registering for an account.
- Complete the Account Verification Process
Some platforms may require additional steps to verify your account. This process could involve submitting identification documents or confirming your email address. Follow the instructions provided by the casino to complete the verification process successfully.
- Claim Your No-Deposit Bonus
After your account is verified, you will be eligible to claim a no-deposit bonus. This bonus typically provides you with virtual currency, tokens, or free spins to use on the platform and is immediately credited to your account once you have finished signing up and verifying your account.
- Start Playing Games & Winning Prizes
Once you have claimed your bonus, you can begin exploring the wide range of games available on the social or sweepstakes casino platform. Place bets using the provided virtual currency or tokens and redeem them for real cash prizes once you have collected enough.
Other Legal Forms of Gambling in Minnesota
In addition to Minnesota’s tribal casinos and racinos, there are a few other legal forms of gambling offered in the state. A general overview of the options currently available in the North Star State is provided below.
Sports Betting
In May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting and giving states the authority to legalize and regulate the activity within their borders. Since then, more than 75% of U.S. states have legalized sports betting in some capacity. Unfortunately, Minnesota is not one of those states.
Despite several legislative efforts in recent years, Minnesota has not yet given online or retail sports betting the green light. However, it is certainly possible that this could change over the next few years. That said, for the time being. Minnesotans will need to visit nearby states like Iowa and Wisconsin in order to get in on the action.
Horse Racing
Betting on horse racing, however, is legal in Minnesota. The state is home to two active horse racing tracks (Canterbury Park and Running Aces Casino & Racetrack), each of which offers pari-mutuel wagering on live races and simulcast betting on races taking place all over the country. In addition, horse racing enthusiasts can use advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites like TwinSpires and AmWager to place bets online from anywhere in the state.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Like many other U.S. states, Minnesota has not formally legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS) but instead allows it to exist in a legal gray area. All of the top DFS platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, OwnersBox, Underdog Fantasy, ParlayPlay, etc.) operate in the North Star State and offer a wide range of paid contests to Minnesotans. As a result, residents of the state have the opportunity to showcase their sports knowledge and compete for a chance to win their share of huge prize pools.
Minnesota Lottery
The Minnesota Lottery is a state-run organization that was established in 1988 and is overseen by the Minnesota State Lottery Commission. The lottery offers a wide range of games, including scratch-off tickets and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Players can purchase lottery tickets from authorized retailers across the state, and the revenue generated from the Minnesota Lottery is primarily used to fund public projects, education, and environmental initiatives in the state.
Charitable Gaming
Charitable gaming refers to specific forms of gambling authorized by the state of Minnesota for charitable and nonprofit organizations. These organizations, such as charities, religious groups, and fraternal organizations, can conduct games like pull-tabs, paddlewheels, bingo, raffles, and tipboards to raise funds for their charitable causes. Charitable gaming is regulated by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, which ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.
Strategies & Tips for Minnesota Casino Players
Since most casino games are largely based on luck and random chance, there is no foolproof way to guarantee big winnings during casino play. However, there are plenty of general guidelines to follow and useful strategies to implement to increase your chances of long-term success. Here are the best tips and tricks for Minnesota casino players:
- Know & Understand the Games: Familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of the games you plan to play. Whether it’s blackjack, poker, slots, or any other game, understanding the rules and optimal strategies can increase your chances of winning.
- Practice Bankroll Management: It’s crucial to manage your bankroll effectively. Avoid betting more than you can afford and pace yourself during gameplay. Consider dividing your bankroll into sessions and setting win/loss limits to maintain control over your gambling activity.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Stay updated on the promotions and offers available at the casinos you visit. Many casinos provide incentives such as bonus chips, free play, or discounts on meals and accommodations. Utilize these promotions to maximize your playing time and potential winnings.
- Stay Hydrated & Take Breaks: It’s important to stay hydrated while gambling. Drink plenty of water and take breaks to stretch and refresh yourself. Staying physically and mentally alert can enhance your focus and decision-making abilities.
- Learn Casino Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with proper casino etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Follow table game etiquette, such as waiting for your turn, using appropriate gestures, and being respectful to dealers and fellow players.
- Research Payback Percentages: Different casino games have varying payback percentages. Take some time to research and choose games that offer higher payback percentages, as they give you better chances of winning in the long run.
- Avoid Risky Betting Systems: Be cautious of betting systems that claim to guarantee wins or beat the house consistently. Most betting systems are based on superstition or faulty logic. Stick to strategies backed by sound mathematical principles or proven game strategies.
Minnesota Online Casino FAQ
Real-money online casinos are not currently legal in Minnesota. The state has strict gambling laws, and these types of platforms are not yet permitted to operate within the state.
In Minnesota, legal gambling options include tribal casinos, card rooms, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, and a state-run lottery.
Yes, both social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are legal in Minnesota and offer a wide range of casino games, do not require a deposit or payment of any kind, and often give players a chance to win real cash prizes. These platforms are a fantastic alternative to real-money online casinos, which are not currently available in Minnesota.
Yes, there are over 20 land-based casinos in Minnesota. The vast majority of these casinos are owned and operated by the state’s federally recognized Native American tribes and offer slot machines, poker, blackjack, and more. The other gaming facilities are categorized as racinos and are allowed to offer poker, table games, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing.
Minnesota’s land-based casinos typically have an age requirement of only 18 years old. However, the state’s gaming facilities that serve alcohol will typically require you to be 21 years or older. Meanwhile, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos allow anyone who is 18 years or older to sign up and participate.