Minnesota Gambling Apps and Top Online Casinos
Minnesota Gambling – Quick Overview
Best Online Casinos Available in Minnesota
- DuckyLuck – Best Overall Casino in Minnesota
- Bovada – First-Rate Live Casino for MN Players
- Las Atlantis – Biggest Welcome Bonus for Players in Minnesota
- Ignition Casino – Best Poker Room Access for MN Players
- El Royale – Most Reliable Customer Support
- Slots.lv – Top Mobile Casino Option
- BetUS – Best Game Variety for Minnesotans
- Café Casino – Top MN Site for Crypto Users
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DuckyLuck – Best Overall Casino in Minnesota
DuckyLuck earns rave reviews from our experts for a variety of reasons. For starters, players are welcomed with a sign-up bonus of 500% matched up to $7,500, along with 150 free spins. If you make that first deposit with crypto, the match goes up to 600%. You’ll also have 14 banking options to use, six of those being types of crypto.
There is a wide array of casino games to play at DuckyLuck, featuring online slots, different variations of blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more. Players from Roseau to Rochester will enjoy the live casino offering, especially if you like blackjack. The help section is thorough, and you should be able to find an answer to any questions. But if not, you can reach out to DuckyLuck via 24/7 live chat and email (although those that prefer to call are out of luck).
But that’s not all, DuckyLuck really excels in their bonus and promotions offer. You can find daily cashback and free spins bonuses, a “Reloading Megabonus” offer and an excellent referral program in which you can earn up to $100 if one of your friend’s makes a deposit. Then there is the DuckyLuck Rewards program, and the Golden Goose Club for high rollers.
Players of all experience levels will find their way at DuckyLuck, our favorite online casino for MN players.2
Bovada – First-Rate Live Casino for MN Players
The live casino offering at Bovada is a better option than heading to the casino in Duluth, no question. There are 43 lobbies available, and 34 of them are blackjack. The rest consist of American and European roulette and baccarat (both regular and Super 6).
Each table has varying cash limits (some have three different bet-limit options, some just have one), so you can figure out how much of your bankroll you want to play with. Each table will also show you how many seats are available — two of the blackjack tables have unlimited seats. Decide your game, your bet limit, and sit down with a real dealer, similar to what you do at any land-based casino in the Land of Lakes.3
Las Atlantis – Biggest Welcome Bonus For Players in Minnesota
The welcome bonus at Las Atlantis might not look like much, but players from Lancaster to Stewartville will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of money they could have at their disposal. At first, it seems like it’s “only” $2,800 to welcome you to their site.
However, that $2,800 is valid to be used five times, which equals out to $14,000 in bonus money. That should be more than enough to get players in Minneapolis started. There is a 35x wagering requirement for this bonus, and there is a $30 minimum deposit if you use a credit card. The minimum deposit is $10 if you use Neosurf to deposit, and $20 for crypto.
It’s one of the biggest welcome bonuses we’ve ever seen and exactly why we’ve picked Las Atlantis.4
Ignition Casino – Best Poker Room Access for MN Players
Ignition Casino puts a major focus on their poker offering. You have the option to play straight from their lobby, which you can access through your browser. You can also download their poker client if you wanted to, but the browser client works brilliantly for players from MN.
From there, you can play in cash games, sit-&-go sessions (+jackpot sit-&-go play) and tournaments. There is also Zone poker, which are fast-fold games for when you want to get some quick hands in. Ignition also has a section on poker strategy for those new to the game, and there are promotions specific to poker as well. One such offer is the Bad Beat Bonus, in which you can receive up to $1,000. Players from around the state of Minnesota can definitely get their poker fix with Ignition.5
El Royale – Most Reliable Customer Support
El Royale Casino has a pretty solid FAQ section, which is broken up into general, deposit, payout and bonus questions. However, if you need to reach out to them, their customer support is some of the best in the game. There are two numbers you can call, one for international players and one for the US and Canada. You can also email them if you would prefer.
But their bread and butter is the live chat option, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We found their customer support representatives to be friendly and very knowledgeable, and eager to solve our problems. Hopefully, you won’t have to contact them often, but if you do, rest assured that you’re getting extremely useful help from El Royale.6
Slots.lv – Top Mobile Casino Option
Slots.lv has put a lot of work into their mobile casino offering. It has been well optimized for mobile devices (both iOS and Android). It gives you the option to add Slots.lv to your home screen, so players from somewhere like Wyoming (not the state — Wyoming, Minnesota) can have easy access. There is also a Live Chat feature which is always present on the page, so you can always reach out for assistance if you need it.
The dropdown menu in the top right corner is easily accessible, and gives you all the options you would have on your desktop. Fear not, the entire library can be accessed in the online casino, just side-scroll and they’re all at your fingertips. It’s a very smooth experience and all of the games run quite well on mobile.
Slots.lv has a mobile offering the competition has to catch up to.7
BetUS – Best Game Variety for Minnesotans
BetUS is well known for their excellent sportsbook, but what surprised us was their casino game variety. There are enough slots (over 100) to make other sites jealous. It also helps that they show the minimum and maximum bet limits to help you decide what game you want to play.
There are nine blackjack variations for fans of those games, and a handful of video poker games if that’s your preference. You can play different types of roulette, craps and baccarat, and some poker as well. Remember Casino War from your childhood? You can even play that at BetUS. There are tournaments almost every day, encompassing blackjack, roulette and poker. You can use their live dealer casino, and there is a specialty games section that includes keno, bingo and themed games like Cosmic Strike. You won’t get bored of playing the same game at BetUS.8
Café Casino – Top MN Site for Crypto Users
If you’re from somewhere like Stillwater and want to gamble with crypto, you’ll be rewarded handsomely at Café Casino. There you’ll get a 350% match bonus up to $2,500 if you make your first deposit with crypto. That’s more than you would receive with any other banking option. The heavy hitters of crypto are all represented with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum and Tether. The minimum deposits are $10 for all except Ethereum (which is $50), and a maximum of $5,000 for all. These deposits are also processed right away, so you’re not waiting around to start playing.
For withdrawals, you can use all of those options except Tether. The Bitcoin family and Litecoin features payout limits of $10-unlimited, while Ethereum is $50-2,500. What’s more, you get your money in an hour for most (24 hours for Bitcoin). There are no fees involved for deposits or withdrawals — it’s why we love crypto as a payment method and absolutely why our team likes Café Casino for crypto players.Comparing Online Casinos in Minnesota
| Online Casino | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Number of games | live casino | free play | Number of payment options | read review | sign up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuckyLuck | 500% up to $7,500 | N/A | 500+ | Yes | Yes | 12 | DuckyLuck review | Sign up |
| Bovada | 100% up to $3,000 | CAWELCOME100 BV2NDCWB | 180+ | Yes | No | 10 | Bovada review | Sign up |
| Las Atlantis | 280% up to $14,000 | N/A | 180+ | Yes | Yes | 5+ | Las Atlantis review | Sign up |
| Ignition Casino | 300% up to $3,000 | N/A | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 10 | Ignition Casino review | Sign up |
| El Royale | 250% up to $12,500 | N/A | 180+ | Yes | Yes | 5+ | El Royale Casino review | Sign up |
| Slots.lv | 200% up to $1,000 | HELLOSLOTS200 | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 7+ | Slots.lv review | Sign up |
| BetUS | 200% up to $5,000 | TSG200 | 350+ | Yes | Yes | 8 | BetUS review | Sign up |
| Café Casino | 250% up to $2,500 | CAFE10 | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 9+ | Café Casino review | Sign up |
How We Choose The Best Online Casinos for Minnesota Residents
Selecting a new online casino can be challenging. Numerous factors come into play, and each player has their own gaming preferences. That’s why we take the time to examine every aspect of an online casino. We investigate safety and security, assess available payment options, and evaluate game variety.
The following are the key criteria we establish for each casino review. By using these points as a guide, we can make more accurate assessments and provide a precise list of the best online casino sites for Minnesota players.
Availability in Minnesota
Ensuring an online casino is available for Minnesotans is crucial to avoid any legal issues. We test this out. Our reviewers make sure that if your IP is located in Minnesota, you can play at the sites we recommend here.
Safety & Security
There is a greater demand for cybersecurity in Minnesota than the national average, which isn’t surprising when you consider there are more phone subscriptions in MN (5.8m) compared to people (5.7m). A secure online casino protects players’ personal and financial information, creating a safe environment to enjoy casino games without the worry of fraud or data theft. We look all of that and more, considering things like support for problem gambling and fairness testing.
Mobile Compatibility
Like we said, there are more phones than people in the state. So, casino sites need to be mobile-compatible, otherwise they’re not delivering value for players. Fast sites that work on data as well as WIFI, offer glitch-free payments, and provide high-spec mobile encryption services are all crucial for us when we’re evaluating the mobile experience at a casino.
Payment Options
Having access to multiple payment options allows you to choose a method that is convenient for you. You want your deposits and withdrawals to be hassle-free and efficient. So do we. Minnesota Bank & Trust and Minnesota Lakes Bank both use VISA, which is accepted at all real money online casinos we’ve assessed. We look for variety, speed and an absence of fees — you should too.
Bonuses
The value of bonuses entirely depends on what you as a player are looking to get out of your casino experience. Our team looks at every bonus available, all of the conditions associated (wagering requirements and contribution rates) and then figures out what type of player they’re best for. All you have to do is know what you want — we’ll handle the rest.
Customer Support
Responsive and helpful customer support is essential for resolving any issues or answering questions, and Minnesotans expect the best. At each casino, our team scrutinizes all of the customer support options available:
- Live chat
- 24/7 phone access
- Post address
- Social media
- Support guides
We’ve got a series of tests we run on each casino’s support staff so that you don’t have to worry about whether or not they can help.
Choice of Games
There are 21 tribal casinos in Minnesota and plenty of offshore sites to access too. Having a great choice of games therefore becomes a big factor players consider when choosing where to gamble. We look not only at quantity but also quality, and make recommendations based on both factors.
Software Providers
The presence of reputable software providers helps us ensure that games are of high quality, feature excellent graphics, sound, and provide fair gameplay. If a game glitches then it raises suspicions about the casino itself. So, we root out glitchy sites and don’t recommend them to players.
The Legality of Gambling in Minnesota
Online casinos are not legally allowed to be based in Minnesota – and MN is unlikely to change its gambling landscape in the coming years, due to a number of factors. The big one is that there are plenty of options for players to gamble at land-based casinos. Twenty-one options in fact, thanks to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (1988).
With so many tribal casinos, there is little appetite to launch full-scale online casino legislation within MN. It therefore leaves players who want to enjoy online gambling in Minnesota with a choice: put down your phone and head to a tribal casino, or find an offshore site where it’s completely safe to play. You can even head across the border to Canada where is more relaxed casino legislation.
Who Regulates Gambling in Minnesota?
The Gambling Control Board oversees lawful gambling in the state of MN, including poker. The activity is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 349 and there is no provision for regulating online poker, other than to say it’s not permitted.
Here’s a breakdown of the different forms of gambling, and Minnesota’s current stance:
In-person Casinos
Minnesota has 21 tribal casinos scattered across the state, plus 21 smaller Indian gaming businesses. There are no other in-person casinos regulated under state law. These tribal casinos offer a variety of games, including slots, blackjack, and bingo. Some, like Little Six Casino in Prior Lake, also have poker rooms where players can participate in cash games and tournaments.
In-person Poker
Poker is legal in Minnesota, and several tribal casinos offer poker rooms. In addition, the state has card clubs, such as Canterbury Park and Running Aces, which host poker games and tournaments.
Online Casinos
Online casinos are not legally allowed to operate in Minnesota. There have been discussions regarding the legalization of online gambling, but no significant progress has been made. State residents who want to participate in online gambling therefore head to trusted offshore sites.
Online Poker
Similar to online casinos, online poker is not legal in Minnesota. Offshore sites have therefore become the go-to choice for MN residents seeking to play each other at online poker.
MN Online Gambling Facts
Future of Online Casinos in Minnesota
Unfortunately, there appears to be little appetite among legislators and the casino community to fully embrace online casino play in Minnesota. In fact, so much attention and money is being poured into legalizing sports betting that casinos have been overlooked.
Sports betting legislation is proposed every year, but so far, the state has backed off passing a bill. Even though tribal casinos are lucrative ventures, Minnesota lawmakers don’t seem too interested in the casino tax revenues available were they to fully legalize gambling.
In fact, the only progress we’re expected to see in Minnesota gambling law in 2023 is MN HF838, which proposes the expansion of lawful gambling taxes for bingo, pull-tab games, and raffle tickets. This is hardly the industry expansion players would want to see.
Minnesota Gambling History
Casino Payment Options Available in MN
Minnesotans have plenty of options when it comes to paying into and withdrawing funds from offshore casinos. Here are the types of payment methods available, and which casinos do them best!
| Payment Type | Fees | Withdrawal Time | Best Casino |
|---|---|---|---|
 VISA | Free | 3-5 days | Las Atlantis |
 Mastercard | Free | 3-5 days | El Royale |
 Bitcoin | Free | 24 hours | Bovada |
 Cryptocurrencies | Free | Up to 1 hour | Café Casino |
 Ethereum | Free | Up to 1 hour | DuckyLuck |
 Litecoin | Free | Up to 1 hour | BetUS |
 Bitcoin Cash | Free | Up to 1 hour | Café Casino |
 Tether | Free | Up to 1 hour | Slots.lv |
 Dodgecoin | Free | Up to 1 hour | DuckyLuck |
 Wire Transfer | $45-$60 | 5-15 business days | El Royale |
To our knowledge, all payment methods available at online casinos are accessible in Minnesota.
Online Casino Games Popular in Minnesota
Online search data shows there’s an appetite for gambling games in Minnesota, even if players have to join out-of-state sites to play them. We’ve crunched the numbers to reveal which casino games are the most popular in the state.
Slots
You can play slot machines at tribal casinos in MN — they’re also available online. Slots offer fast-paced gameplay, a wide variety of themes, and the potential for big wins with jackpots and bonus features. Their ease of play and visually appealing designs make them popular among both new and experienced players. Slots are most commonly searched for in Rochester and Austin. This may be because there are no tribal casinos in the south of Minnesota, so online slots have become a more viable option for players.
Blackjack
Blackjack is big business in Minnesota and has been since 1991, when casinos such as Little Six Casino opened multiple tables and operated all year round. This game of skill and luck has earned a loyal following in Duluth and the Cloquet Valley, which isn’t surprising when you realize Fond-du-Luth Casino has blackjack tables with limits from $3 to $1,000.
Poker
Mankato and Winona top the list of towns interested in online poker in Minnesota, which isn’t surprising when you see the closest in-person poker room is Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch – 80 miles away. Finding an online alternative via top poker sites really does help!
Live Dealer Games
Casinos like DuckyLuck and Ignition thrive on delivering live dealer games to residents in Minnesota. These games, mainly blackjack and roulette, feature real-life dealers and real-time gameplay. They are usually operated by third-party providers that link their feeds to casino sites. If you live miles from an in-person casino, then the live tables are the next best thing.
Roulette
Minneapolis has a growing roulette scene thanks to the 11 casinos based within two-and-a-half hours of the city. Players are also shifting towards online roulette. The ability to throw chips on the table, strategize on the racetrack, and chase 36:1 wins has always been the big appeal for roulette players.
Video Poker
Social gambling was permitted in Minnesota back in 1963 and poker has been a popular game in the state ever since. Video poker offers players the chance to strengthen their poker knowledge and chase big wins, without having to rely on others being at the table. It’s a great way to warm up before heading to one of those card rooms we were talking about above.
Bingo
Ten years ago, Minnesotan politicians were getting excited about the idea of strapping a bingo hall to the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium (U.S. Bank Stadium), in the hope it could help fund the development. It kind of worked. Still, bingo remains a big game in MN, especially online. A smoking ban threatened the game’s existence back in the 2000s but the shift to online bingo has helped maintain interest in the game.
How to Gamble Online in MN
Online gambling in Minnesota isn’t available via state-based casinos. That’s because there are no laws permitting casino companies to operate within the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Therefore, players have to look elsewhere, at out-of-state sites, for online casino play. If you’re seeking to do just that, then follow these easy steps for finding the right casino site.
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Begin by researching and choosing a reputable, safe online casino. We only recommend sites with a solid reputation, good customer service, the ability to be accessed from devices in MN and proper licensing from a recognized gambling authority.
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Hit the ‘Join’ or ‘Sign Up’ button on your casino homepage and create an account. You’ll need to provide the required personal information and select a username and password. You may also need to verify your account via email or phone number, depending on the site.
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Take advantage of any welcome bonuses or promotions offered by the casino, such as free spins or deposit bonuses. Be sure to read the terms and conditions for these offers, and copy the bonus code that you find in our reviews, so you have it ready to enter.
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Add funds to your account using one of the available payment methods. Our recommended casinos all offer a range of options, including debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Most top casinos these days also accept crypto payments.
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Browse the casino’s suite and choose a game that appeals to you. Slots will be the go-to option for many Minnesotans, while poker is popular throughout the state too. Pay attention to the theme, graphics, and potential payouts of your game, as well as any unique features or bonuses. And remember, many games offer free play, so you can test it out before you spin for real cash!
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Remember to keep track of your bankroll as you play, and to set limits for yourself. If you’re on a winning streak, consider cashing out some of your winnings to protect your profits. Never bet more than your limit, and make sure to take regular breaks from gaming.
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When you’re ready to cash out, head to the casino’s cashier section and request a withdrawal using your preferred payment method. Be prepared to provide identification for verification purposes, and keep in mind that withdrawal times will vary depending on the method you choose.
Land Based Gambling in Minnesota
Gambling in-person is possible in Minnesota but it requires players to head to a tribal casino or poker facility. Thankfully, there are plenty of options. Whether you’re living in Rochester, Baudette, or Ortonville, you’re within two hours of a casino in MN.
Tribal Casinos in MN
The tribal casino landscape in Minnesota is a little complicated, so here it goes:
There are 38 tribal casinos in Minnesota, operated by the 11 tribes across the state. Each tribe negotiated two compacts when agreeing to new casino laws in the early 1990s. One for video games of chance, and one for blackjack.
These 19 casinos generate the majority of Minnesota’s $1.51bn gross gambling revenue.
Two racinos, racetracks with gambling facilities, exist at Canterbury Park Racetrack and Running Aces. Back in 2010, 80% of Minnesotans supported installing a casino at Canterbury Park.
Poker in Minnesota
Poker is legal in Minnesota, but there are strings attached. For a start, poker tournaments and other card games cannot provide any “direct financial benefit to the promoter or organizer” and the value of all prizes cannot exceed $200.
Effectively, you can play Texas Hold’em at home with friends, but you’re probably not going to find a table in downtown Minneapolis.
Saying that, players can join poker rooms at tribal casinos and compete in bigger tournaments, for much bigger prizes. Poker buy-ins at Canterbury Park, for example, start from $80 (for a Tuesday game).
Weekend tournaments at Running Aces Poker Room can exceed $200 just for a seat at the table. It’s also possible to play online poker in MN via out-of-state poker sites.
Online Gambling News in Minnesota
Responsible Gambling at Online Casinos in Minnesota
Minnesota Gambling Control Board
The Minnesota Gambling Control Board regulates the gambling industry in MN and promotes the Problem Gambling Helping: 1-800-333-HOPE.
Minnesota Department of Human Services
The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides extensive resources for those struggling with problem gambling.
National Council on Problem Gambling
The NCPG has dedicated resources for problem gambling in MN.
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling advocates healthy play and promotes resources to help tackle addiction.
Mystic Lake
Mystic Lake is MN’s biggest casino and provides advice on problem gambling.
Gambling Sources for Minnesota
Minnesota Online Gambling FAQs
DuckyLuck is considered the best online casino available to MN residents. The casino is not based in Minnesota because state laws prevent operators from basing themselves within its borders. However, residents can access this out-of-state site via their phones and computer devices.
Yes. You can play online slots for real money when you’re based in Minnesota, but not at an MN site. That’s because Minnesota real money casinos don’t actually exist. Instead, you need to head to an offshore site that is accessible from MN.
You must be 18 years or old to gamble in Minnesota.
There is no law forbidding players from mobile gambling in Minnesota. However, state legislation outlaws casinos from being based within MN. Therefore, mobile gambling is available to players only via offshore sites.
Yes. Minnesota recognizes gambling winnings as income, and therefore you must report all winnings on Form M1 (Individual Income Tax).
Yes. There are 19 tribal casinos and a further 21 properties run by tribes that provide gambling facilities in Minnesota.
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