Minnesota Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in MN

Minnesota has 11 Native American tribes that are officially recognized by the feds, and these tribes run a total of 18 casinos in the state. These casinos operate under agreements that they’ve signed with the state government. When you go to these casinos, you’ll find slot machines that are supposed to pay out somewhere between 80% and 95% tax. In addition to slots, there are also table games to choose from, like blackjack, tri-card poker, and baccarat. There are no commercial casinos in the state as of 2023.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Minnesota

VenueAddressWebsite
Treasure Island Resort & Casino Welch5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089https://www.ticasino.com/
White Oak Casino Deer River45830 U.S. Rte 2, Deer River, MN 56636https://www.whiteoakcasino.com/
Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls20595 Center St E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701https://www.sevenclanscasino.com/
Black Bear Casino Resort Carlton1785 MN-210, Carlton, MN 55718https://www.blackbearcasinoresort.com/
Canterbury Park Shakopee1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379https://www.canterburypark.com/
Cedar Lakes Casino Cass Lake6268 Upper Cass Frontage Rd NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633https://www.cedarlakescasino.com/
Fond-du-luth Casino Duluth129 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802https://www.fondduluthcasino.com/
Seven Clans Casino Warroad34966 605th Ave, Warroad, MN 56763https://www.sevenclanscasino.com/casino/warroad/
Fortune Bay Resort Casino Tower1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN 55790https://fortunebay.com/
Seven Clans Casino Red Lake10200 MN-89, Red Lake, MN 56671https://www.sevenclanscasino.com/casino/red-lake/
Shooting Star Casino Mahnomen777 S Casino Rd, Mahnomen, MN 56557https://www.starcasino.com/
Running Aces Harness Park Columbus15201 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN 55025https://runaces.com/
Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort Granite Falls5616 Prairies Edge Ln, Granite Falls, MN 56241http://www.prairiesedgecasino.com/
Northern Lights Casino Walker6800 Y Frontage Rd NW, Walker, MN 56484https://www.northernlightscasino.com/
Little Six Casino Prior Lake2450 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372https://littlesixcasino.com/
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel Morton39375 County Rd 24, Morton, MN 56270https://www.jackpotjunction.com/
Grand Casino Hinckley777 Lady Luck Dr, Hinckley, MN 55037https://grandcasinomn.com/
Grand Casino Mille Lacs Onamia777 Grand Ave, Onamia, MN 56359https://grandcasinomn.com/
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Grand Portage70 Casino Dr, Grand Portage, MN 55605https://www.grandportage.com/
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Prior Lake2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372https://mysticlake.com/

Related reading: Minnesota online casinos

Reviews of the Top Minnesota Casinos

1. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is a popular casino resort located in Prior Lake, Minnesota, which opened its doors in 1992. The venue spans over 150,000 square feet and features a wide range of gaming options, including over 4,000 slot machines, video poker, blackjack, bingo, and more. Some of the most popular games at Mystic Lake include titles like Buffalo Gold Collection, Lightning Link, and Wonder 4 Tall Fortunes.

In addition to the gaming floor, Mystic Lake also features several dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Some of the dining options include The Buffet, Mystic Steakhouse, and Minnehaha Café.

For visitors who wish to stay at the resort, Mystic Lake offers luxurious hotel accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and spa suites. Amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, fitness center, spa, and more.

While Mystic Lake has generally received positive reviews from customers, some complaints have been raised about the prices of food and drinks at the resort, as well as the quality of service provided by some of the staff members. Nonetheless, Mystic Lake remains a popular destination for visitors to Minnesota who are looking for a complete entertainment experience, combining gaming, dining, and accommodations.

2. Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Treasure Island Resort & Casino is a popular casino resort located in Welch, Minnesota, which opened its doors in 1984. The venue spans over 150,000 square feet and offers a range of gaming options, including over 2,200 slot machines, video poker, blackjack, bingo, and more. Some of the most popular games at Treasure Island include titles like Dancing Drums, Buffalo Gold Collection, and Lightning Link.

Treasure Island offers hotel accommodations, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. Amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, fitness center, spa, and more.

Some complaints have been raised about the prices of food and drinks at the resort, as well as the quality of service provided by some of the staff members. Nonetheless, Treasure Island remains a popular destination for visitors to Minnesota who are looking for a complete entertainment experience, combining gaming, dining, and accommodations.

3. Grand Casino Hinckley

Grand Casino Hinckley is a popular casino resort located in Hinckley, Minnesota, which opened its doors in 1992. The venue spans over 68,000 square feet and offers a range of gaming options, including over 2,100 slot machines, video poker, blackjack, poker, and more. Some of the most popular games at Grand Casino Hinckley include titles like Quick Hits, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Gold.

Grand Casino Hinckley also features several dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Some of the dining options include The Winds Steakhouse, Grand Buffet, and Stories Diner.

For visitors who wish to stay at the resort, Grand Casino Hinckley offers hotel accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and chalets. Amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, fitness center, spa, and more.

4. Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel

Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel is a popular casino resort located in Morton, Minnesota, which opened its doors in 1984. The venue spans over 325,000 square feet and offers a range of gaming options, including over 1,200 slot machines, video poker, blackjack, bingo, and more. Some of the most popular games at Jackpot Junction include titles like Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Gold.

In addition to the gaming floor, Jackpot Junction also features several dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Some of the dining options include Seasons Buffet, Dacotah Dining, and The Full House.

For visitors who wish to stay at the resort, Jackpot Junction offers hotel accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and Jacuzzi suites. Amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, fitness center, and more.

5. Northern Lights Casino

Northern Lights Casino is a popular casino located in Walker, Minnesota, which opened its doors in 1996. The venue spans over 40,000 square feet and offers a range of gaming options, including over 900 slot machines, video poker, blackjack, and more. Some of the most popular games at Northern Lights Casino include titles like Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Gold.

Northern Lights Casino has a café and a sports bar. The casino does not have a hotel on-site, but there are several lodging options in the area for visitors who wish to stay overnight.

While Northern Lights Casino has generally received positive reviews from customers for its friendly staff and clean environment, some complaints have been raised about the limited gaming options compared to larger casinos in the state, as well as the lack of amenities and dining options. Nonetheless, Northern Lights Casino remains a popular destination for visitors to Minnesota who are looking for a more low-key gaming experience in a smaller setting.

Minnesota Gambling Revenues

Gambling is a significant source of revenue for the state of Minnesota, with over $2 billion generated in 2021. The majority of this revenue comes from the state’s tribal casinos, which account for around $1.5 billion of the total. The remaining revenue comes from the state lottery, charitable gambling, and card rooms.

These gambling revenues are allocated to various areas within the state, including education, public safety, natural resources, and health and human services. For example, a portion of the revenue generated from the state lottery is dedicated to the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which supports projects related to conservation and natural resources.

In addition to funding state programs and services, gambling revenues also support the local communities where the casinos and other gambling establishments are located. Tribal casinos, in particular, often use their revenue to support a range of initiatives, including education, healthcare, and economic development.

While gambling revenues provide an important source of funding for the state and local communities, there is ongoing debate about the social and economic costs of gambling. Some argue that gambling can lead to addiction and financial hardship for individuals and families, while others contend that the economic benefits of gambling outweigh these concerns. Nonetheless, gambling remains a significant industry in Minnesota, and the revenues generated from gambling will continue to play an important role in the state’s economy and public services.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized Indian tribes, each of which operates one or more casinos within the state. Indian gaming has a long history in Minnesota, dating back to the 1980s when the federal government began allowing tribes to operate casinos on their reservations. Since then, Indian gaming has become a major industry in the state, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Despite the economic benefits of Indian gaming, there have been several disputes between the tribes and the state government over the years. One of the most significant issues has been the negotiation of gaming compacts, which outline the terms under which the tribes can operate their casinos. These compacts have been the subject of legal battles, with some tribes alleging that the state has not negotiated in good faith.

Another area of contention has been the taxation of Indian gaming revenues. While the tribes are exempt from paying federal and state income taxes, they do pay a portion of their gaming revenues to the state. However, the exact amount of these payments has been a point of dispute, with some tribes arguing that the state is seeking to extract too much revenue from their operations.

Here are the 11 Indian gaming tribes in Minnesota:

A History of Gambling in Minnesota

Gambling has a long history in Minnesota, dating back to the 19th century when betting on horse races was a popular pastime. In the early 20th century, however, a series of anti-gambling laws were passed, making most forms of gambling illegal in the state. It wasn’t until the 1940s that these laws began to be relaxed, with the introduction of charitable gambling.

Charitable gambling, such as bingo and raffles, was legalized in Minnesota in 1945 as a way to support non-profit organizations. Today, charitable gambling remains a popular activity in the state, with over $1.5 billion in gross receipts generated each year.

In the 1980s, Minnesota became one of the first states to allow Indian tribes to operate casinos on their reservations. The first tribal casino in the state, the Grand Casino Hinckley, opened in 1992, and today there are 19 tribal casinos in Minnesota. These casinos generate billions of dollars in revenue each year and employ thousands of people.

In addition to charitable and tribal gambling, the Minnesota state lottery was introduced in 1989. The lottery offers a variety of games, including scratch-offs and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. In 2021, the Minnesota state lottery generated over $740 million in revenue, with around $280 million of that going to the state’s general fund.

While gambling has provided a significant source of revenue for the state and local communities, it has also been a source of controversy and conflict. One of the biggest issues has been the legalization of sports betting. While several states have legalized sports betting in recent years, Minnesota has not yet done so. This has led to debates over whether to allow sports betting and how it would be regulated.

Another issue has been the regulation of online gambling. While online gambling is legal in some states, Minnesota has yet to take a definitive stance on the issue. This has led to concerns about the potential for unregulated online gambling sites to operate in the state, potentially putting consumers at risk.

Despite these controversies, gambling remains a significant industry in Minnesota, with billions of dollars generated in revenue each year. As the state continues to navigate the evolving landscape of gambling, it will be interesting to see how the industry develops in the years to come.

Gambling Taxes in Minnesota

Gambling generates millions of dollars in revenue each year. As a result, the state imposes taxes on gambling winnings to help fund various programs and services. If you are a resident of Minnesota and you win money gambling, you are required to pay taxes on your winnings.

In Minnesota, gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state income taxes. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is 24%, while the state tax rate is 5.35%. This means that if you win $1,000 gambling in Minnesota, you will owe $293.50 in taxes ($240 to the federal government and $53.50 to the state).

If you are a nonresident of Minnesota and you win money gambling in the state, you may also be required to pay taxes on your winnings. The exact amount you owe will depend on several factors, including the amount of your winnings and your state of residence. However, most nonresidents can expect to pay between 7.25% and 33% in taxes on their gambling winnings.

To report your gambling winnings in Minnesota, you must fill out Form M1, Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return. On this form, you will report the total amount of your gambling winnings, as well as any losses you incurred while gambling. You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings, which can help lower your tax liability.

It is important to note that Minnesota also imposes taxes on the gambling industry itself. For example, tribal casinos in the state are required to pay a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the state. In 2021, the total tax revenue generated by the gambling industry in Minnesota was over $551 million.

In summary, if you win money gambling in Minnesota, you will be required to pay both federal and state income taxes on your winnings. Nonresidents may also be subject to taxes on their gambling winnings. To report your winnings, you must fill out Form M1 and include any deductions for gambling losses. Additionally, the gambling industry in Minnesota is subject to taxes, which helps fund various programs and services in the state.

Minnesota Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Minnesota casinos before being taxed?

In Minnesota, if you win $1,200 or more in a single gambling session, the casino must report the winnings to the IRS, and you will need to pay federal income tax on them. However, Minnesota does not have a state income tax on gambling winnings. So, if you are a Minnesota resident and you win more than $1,200 in a single session, you will only be taxed at the federal level.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Minnesota?

If you want to ban yourself from all Minnesota casinos, you can enroll in the “Voluntary Exclusion Program” offered by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. This program allows you to voluntarily exclude yourself from all casinos in the state for a minimum of one year and up to a lifetime. To enroll, you will need to fill out an application and attend an interview with a counselor.

Who regulates gambling in Minnesota?

Gambling in Minnesota is regulated by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. This agency oversees all forms of legal gambling in the state, including casinos, horse racing, and charitable gambling. The Board’s responsibilities include licensing and regulating gambling operators, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations, and protecting the public from illegal and unethical practices.

What is the minimum gambling age in Minnesota?

The minimum gambling age in Minnesota is 18 years old for bingo, pull-tabs, and horse racing. However, you must be 21 years old to gamble at casinos, and this applies to both online and land-based casinos in the state.

Can I gamble online in Minnesota?

Online gambling is not explicitly legal or illegal in Minnesota. While the state has not passed any laws specifically allowing online gambling, it also has not made it illegal for residents to gamble on offshore websites. However, it is important to note that these websites are not regulated by the state and may not be safe or trustworthy.

What types of gambling are legal in Minnesota?

Minnesota allows several types of legal gambling, including casinos, horse racing, charitable gambling, pull-tabs, bingo, and the state lottery. Some forms of gambling, such as sports betting and online gambling, are not yet legal in the state.

How many casinos are there in Minnesota?

There are around 20 casinos in Minnesota. These casinos offer a variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Some of the most popular casinos in the state include Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and Grand Casino Hinckley.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Minnesota?

Minnesota allows you to deduct gambling losses on your state income tax return if you itemize deductions. However, you must keep accurate records of your gambling losses, including receipts, tickets, and other documentation. It is important to note that you can only deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings for the year.