Minnesota Casino and Gambling Guide

Updated On Oct 21, 2026
Paige Williams Paige Williams Casino Writer
Fact Checked Reviewer Dave Cooper Dave Cooper Casino Expert

The state of Minnesota offers residents plenty of gambling opportunities. Regulated gambling in Minnesota began in the 1940s, when games of Bingo were first permitted. Residents would have to wait 40 years until betting on horse racing and pari-mutuel pools were legalized in the 1980s. The 80s would also see Minnesota allowing a state lottery.

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As for casinos in Minnesota, seven Native American tribes received permission to open tribal casinos in the 80s and were able to offer slot machines and video poker. Since then, Minnesota has also decided to allow tribal casinos to offer Blackjack and electronic table games.

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Minnesota Online Gambling

Minnesota has limited regulation of online gambling, with specific rules applying to activities such as off-track horse racing betting and daily fantasy sports. Lottery tickets can no longer be purchased online following changes to state policy. Understanding gambling laws by state is essential because permitted activities and regulatory requirements vary across the US.
When it comes to online casino games, Minnesota’s legal framework differs from that of states with regulated online casinos. Players should review current state laws and verify an operator’s licensing, terms, and eligibility requirements before considering real-money play.

Live Gambling

For residents or visitors looking to gamble in Minnesota, there are quite a few options available. The first option is charities holding bingo games and raffles. There are also the lottery and scratch cards, both of which are available at retail stores throughout the state.

Two tracks offer horse racing, which gamblers can bet on. The tracks also host card clubs, where gamblers can play various forms of poker and baccarat. Finally, numerous tribal casinos offer slot machines, video poker, blackjack, and more.

Bars in Minnesota are also permitted to offer pull-tab games, which are similar to slot games. These were legalized to help cover the costs of the new Minnesota Vikings stadium. However, that plan did not go well.

Gambling Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota permits several forms of gambling, although others remain restricted. Understanding the state’s online gambling laws alongside its land-based gambling regulations can help players distinguish which activities are legally permitted.

Betting on horse racing is allowed, including off-track wagering. Minnesota charities can also offer certain gambling activities, such as bingo and raffles.

If you’re looking for slot machines and video poker, you’ll generally find them at the state’s tribal casinos. These casinos operate under agreements with Minnesota that govern electronic casino games. Tribal casinos can also offer blackjack, which is available at certain card clubs.

The state’s racetracks are permitted to operate poker rooms offering various card games. These include Texas Hold’em, Pai Gow Poker, Omaha, Three Card Poker, and Seven-Card Stud. Some poker rooms may also offer blackjack and baccarat, while roulette and craps are not permitted under the state’s applicable rules.

Bars in Minnesota can offer electronic pull-tab games without a traditional gambling license. These tablet-based games resemble slot machines, but proceeds support charitable purposes and certain authorized expenses.

The minimum gambling age is generally 18, although casinos serving alcohol may set their minimum age at 21. Many casinos do so, while card clubs typically maintain a lower age limit. Always check the venue’s current entry requirements before visiting.

Gambling in Minnesota

Minnesota Gambling History

Gambling in Minnesota has been legal since 1945. Bingo was the first gambling game to be regulated, but only charities were permitted to hold bingo games. Charities were then allowed to offer raffles and tip boards in 1978, and pull-tabs were regulated in 1981.

The following year, in 1982, horse racing was legalized, with off-track betting permitted in 1989. However, off-track betting would be deemed unconstitutional in 1992. A constitutional amendment was passed in 1994 to permit off-track betting, but the public ended up rejecting it.

Tribal casinos were legalized in 1989, with slots and video poker being permitted. In 1991, blackjack was added to the list of permitted casino games. Currently, there are seven Native American Casinos in Minnesota.

Gambling in Minnesota FAQs

Is gambling legal in Minnesota?

Yes, several forms of gambling are legal in Minnesota, including betting on horse racing, charity bingo and raffles, the lottery, and Native American Casinos.

What casino games are available at Tribal Casinos in Minnesota?

The Native American Casinos in Minnesota are permitted to offer slot games, video poker, electronic table games, and blackjack.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports permitted in Minnesota?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Minnesota.

What is the minimum gambling age in Minnesota?

Players need to be at least 18 years old to gamble. However, any casino that serves alcohol is permitted to increase the minimum age to 21.

What games can charities offer?

Charities in Minnesota can offer a decent selection of games, including raffles, bingo, pull-tabs, tip boards, and paddlewheels.

Paige Williams

Paige Williams

Paige Williams is the Editor-in-Chief at CasinoUS.com, where she leads the editorial strategy and content standards across the platform. She specializes in casino bonuses, promotions, and player reward programs, ensuring every guide is accurate, transparent, and designed to help players make informed decisions.