More than 30 years working in online gaming and sports journalism. I hope to explain the growing US online casino market to help those new to internet gambling have a better understanding.
Minnesota’s gambling progress — or lack of it — is almost exclusively tied to the state’s compacts with its Native American tribes.
The first state to sign gaming agreements a year after Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, Minnesota is home to 19 casinos owned and operated by 11 federally recognized tribes. While the tribes have expanded gambling in the state, they’ve also become a powerful political entity, and their longtime opposition to off-reservation gambling has allowed them to successfully protect their gaming interests.
Minnesota does not allow commercial casinos, online casino gambling. The state has two horse racing tracks that offer non-banked card games such as poker, in addition to pari-mutuel wagering. Minnesota’s other gambling options are electronic pull tabs and a state lottery.
Top Minnesota Online Casino Sites
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Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
98
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
1150+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
25+
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0
WOW Vegas is a highly reputable social casino that lets players purchase Gold Coins (WOW Coins) and win sweeps coins that can be redeemed for real-world prizes. Players will also find a myriad of slots available from popular providers like Betsoft and Pragmatic Play.
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
GDC
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
98
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
900+
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The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
15+
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5+
McLuck is an exciting social casino with a wide range of casino games available from industry giants like Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, NetEnt, and more. New slots with special features like 'Hold and Win' are always being added to their growing portfolio.
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
97
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
1350+
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The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
15+
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0
For a casino-style gaming experience without the cost, High 5 is the place to play. Launched in 1995 and available in the US, this social casino gives you the chance to play authentic 1,200+ online slot games for fun.
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
95
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70
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The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
20
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0
Crown Coins Casino is the perfect social casino for players who seek variety. It’s sleek design makes it easy for players to access and play slots and other games. You’ll find a big collection of jackpot games at the operator’s site.
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GDC
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
98
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
800+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
0
Live Casino Games
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15+
Stakes.us is one of the more established social casinos that is always looking for new ways to entertain and reward players. They also have one of the widest collection of games available - from slots to poker.
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Wide Range of Social Game Types
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GAMB
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
98
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The total number of all Online Slot Games available
700+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
1+
Live Casino Games
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0
Vegas Gems is a new social casino with a fun jewel theme and a small, but popular selection of games from popular providers like Pragmatic Play and BGaming.
Must be 18+ to participate. Void in AL, GA, ID, KY, MT, NV, WA. T&Cs Apply.
Ongoing Jackpot Races
Over 750 Titles in the Game Library
Social Live Casino Available
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GDC
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
96
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The total number of all Online Slot Games available
850+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
20+
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5+
Hello Millions uses its eye-catching design to stand out from the competition. That's not all, as it offers hundreds of titles in its game library and numerous ongoing promotions.
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GAMBLINGCOM
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Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
96
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140+
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The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
30+
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0
Welcome Offer
Yes
Players who join Funrize Casino will receive 100 free daily promotional entries which means playing more games for free, and the chance to reveal some exciting prizes. For the more adventurous, Funrize also offers a tournament mode.
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GDC
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
96
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The total number of all Online Slot Games available
950+
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The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
0
Live Casino Games
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0
Pulsz is a rapidly growing social casino that allows players to join regular promotions to claim free coins. There are also two progressive Gold Coin jackpots each week, with a minimum jackpot of GC 1,000,000.
Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Void in AL, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MT, MI, NV, NJ, PA, and WA.
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24/7 Live Chat Customer Support
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
96
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
800+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
10+
Live Casino Games
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0
Jackpota offers a massive selection of games, many offering millions of coins in jackpot wins. Enjoy slots from top providers, daily tournaments, leaderboards and social media giveaways.
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
93
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
175+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
0
Live Casino Games
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0
RealPrize is a very beginner-friendly social and sweeps casino that provides players with tips along their 'journey' thanks to Perzi the cartoon superman gift box.
Must be 18+ to participate. Void Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada & Washington.
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Live Dealer Section Available
Over 600 Premium Slot Games
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
95
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
400+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
2+
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5+
Punt.com is a social casino with an intuitive platform that’s easy to use. Choose from over 500 titles, including a live dealer section. Explore games from top providers such as Pragmatic and participate in ongoing challenges.
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Spree Prize Fiesta
Live Casino Available
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The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
90
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
700+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
0
Live Casino Games
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3+
Spree social casino offers an amazing selection of slot games and brings a live casino section to the table. Claim daily bonuses and participate in raffles and tournaments at this operator’s website, which is available on all operating systems.
Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Void in GA, ID, MI, and WA.
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
90
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
750+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
45+
Live Casino Games
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0
Zula Casino, is an online social casino with sweepstakes elements, that is currently live in all US states exluding Georgia, Idaho, & Washington. With a generous welcome bonus and unique style of games, you'll have plenty of options to win prizes!
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
91
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
250+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
35+
Live Casino Games
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0
Players at Fortune Coins Casino can play the top free games and slots using Gold Coins and Fortune Coins, the latter of which can be redeemed for real money prizes.
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24 Hour Payouts on Weekdays
Regular Social Media Giveaways
Accepts both FIAT and Cryptocurrency
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The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
GDC
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
93
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
325+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
25+
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0
Available in 46 US states, Scrooge Casino provides a broad spectrum of games which include crash-style games like Red Baron, Space XY, Limbo XY, Minesweepers XY, and more.
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GDC
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Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
95
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120+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
30+
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0
NoLimit Coins social casino features a hand-picked collection of titles for online casino lovers in the US. Participate in daily promos and tournaments to win gold coins and super coins.
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
95
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
115+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
25+
Live Casino Games
The total number of Live Dealer casino games available
0
Tao Fortune is a social casino that provides a fresh take on playing with both 'Tao Coins' and 'Secret Coins', the latter of which can be redeemed for real prizes. For instance, players can break the Piggy Bank each week to get free Secret Coins.
Must be 18+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Void in ID, MI, MT, NV, and WA.
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
94
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
650+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
5+
Live Casino Games
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0
Sweepstastic is a lively social and sweepstakes casino that offers players daily bonuses and the chance to play with SC and win real-world prizes including cash, gift cards, and merchandise.
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First Purchase Unlocks Exclusive Scratchcards
Multiplayer Online Bingo Games Available
Large Community of Players for Socializing
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
95
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
900+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
1+
Live Casino Games
The total number of Live Dealer casino games available
0
ulsz Bingo doesn't just offer a wide range of bingo games, but users will also be able to play arcade games and various slots including Megaways, Tumbling Reels, Hold and Win, and more.
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Claim Free Virtual Credits Every 4 Hours
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not required
Our Rating
Gambling.com users rating of this casino site out of 100
96
Slots
The total number of all Online Slot Games available
850+
Jackpot Slots
The number of Progressive Jackpot Slot Games available
70+
Live Casino Games
The total number of Live Dealer casino games available
25+
BetRivers.net is a dual sweepstakes casino and social sportsbook with a stable of great slots from leading providers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt, including a number of live dealer games. There are also regular slots tournaments to join with prizes up for grabs.
Must be 18+ to participate. Void in ID, LA, MI, MT, NV and WA.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?
Online mobile casino gambling is not legal in Minnesota so players looking for a similar experience to NJ casino apps will have to travel to neighboring states. 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. .
When Will Minnesota Legalize Online Gambling?
While other states continue to introduce or approve best online casinos 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.
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
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.
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 casino bonuses in states with legal online gambling:
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 with casino & online sports betting Minnesota legislation over the years.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Minnesota
State Sen. Jeremy Miller introduced legislation legalizing sports betting in the state. Miller's proposal would see tribes hold a monopoly on mobile betting, but commercial racetracks and professional sports teams can offer retail betting alongside the state's tribal casinos. A separate bill from Rep. Zach Stephenson is also expected to be introduced soon.
Sports betting bill is introduced for second consecutive year but is opposed by tribes and fails to advance.
State lawmakers vote to end online sales of lottery tickets, claiming the games were launched 18 months earlier without their consent.
Electronic pull-tab games are permitted at various locations to fund future stadium development.
Unbanked card games (primarily poker) are permitted at state’s horse tracks.
A year after the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act becomes law, Minnesota is first state to sign gambling compacts with tribes. Two years later, the compacts are extended beyond video gaming machines to include blackjack.
Minnesota Lottery established through successful voter referendum. First lottery ticket sold two years later.
Canterbury Downs (now Canterbury Park) opens as state’s first pari-mutuel racetrack.
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is authorized by constitutional amendment approved by voters.
The Minnesota State Lottery is launched. Initially offering local draws, the governing body is now responsible for overseeing scratch games and multi-state lotteries such as the Powerball.
References
Minnesota Gambling Control Board (Nov. 15, 2020). Retrieved Nov. 15, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
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.
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.