Minnesota has no state laws that address placing bets with offshore sportsbooks. Twin rivers blackjack rules. These federal laws only pertain to US-based sports betting sites as well. Minnesota has laws against state based gambling, but there is nothing in the state's statutes that prevent. The state of Minnesota's online and offline gambling laws are reasonable when it comes to gambling online or offline. From what we researched about Minnesota gambling laws the only thing we can find to be illegal for online gamblers is operating an online gambling website. From 1945 through 1981, limited gambling for charitable purposes was permitted in Minnesota; no other type of gambling was lawful. In 1982, the Minnesota Legislature proposed a constitutional amendment to allow pari-mutuel betting in the state. Voters approved the amendment in 1983 and pari-mutuel horse racing was legalized.
While many states started their gambling adventure with horse racing, this wasn't the case with the North Star State. A constitutional amendment pushed forward the legislation of the horse racing industry in 1982 (which got its legal framework in 1983) and caused the forming of the Minnesota Racing Commission.
An attempt to legalize off-track betting was made in 1989; it went through but didn't last for long. It was ruled unconstitutional after only three years. Minnesota tried to get back to off-track betting once again in 1994, yet the suggestion didn't impress voters.
Lottery made its way through legislation with the other forms of gambling in 1988. Around this time, the tribal casinos were a rising star in gambling as well. Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that same year and allowed tribal lands to regulate casino-style gambling activities. The following year, together with off-track betting, seven tribal casinos started offering slot games and video poker, joined by blackjack in 1991.
The last form of gambling that joined the scene were card clubs that served as the last hope for the racetracks that were not in operation anymore. A card club license enabled tracks like Canterbury Park to offer betting on specific card games.
In this text, we will discuss Minnesota gambling laws and the current status of online gambling in the state. Also, you will find a few specific options regarding gambling facilities so, if you are interested, read on.
Top 3 Minnesota Online Casinos
Gambling Laws in Minnesota — The Law Overview
So far, we have covered a brief history of gambling in Minnesota from the day the first form of gambling was legalized. Now is the time to clarify gambling laws and organizations in charge of regulating gambling activities.
The omnipotent regulating body for gambling in the North Star State is the Alcohol, and Gambling Enforcement Division of Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS-AGED). This department deals with investigating crimes related to illegal gambling. Another duty of AGED is to license and regulate slot machines and other gambling devices, and also to monitor all the gambling establishments in the name of the state.
For licensing and regulating lawful charitable gambling in Minnesota, the state created the Gambling Control Board (GCB). This particular organization takes care of bingo, raffles, pull tabs, paddle wheels, or tip boards, as well as of the modus operandi of the charitable organizations offering these games.
There is the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) that oversees the all-time favorite horse racing, including the tracks that also offer card rooms. Finally, the Minnesota State Lottery regulates everything related to lottery, from multi-state games to scratch-off cards.
As we can see, all different forms of gambling in Minnesota have a dedicated organization that sets the rules and ensures the same are followed at any point in time. Also, Minnesota laws require a gambling activity to consist of three elements: consideration, chance, and prize. To be considered gambling, an activity must include all these elements.
Among Minnesota Statutes, you can find all the documents essential for regulating gambling in the state, including the ones about gambling enforcement. Additionally, the Minnesota Gambling Control Board published the in-depth information on lawful gambling rules regarding every form of gambling available to the residents of the state.
Minnesota State Gambling Rules
What Forms of Gambling Are Allowed in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows several forms of gambling at the moment. The Minnesota Lottery is one of those forms which enables you to buy scratch-off tickets or take part in multi-state lotteries like Powerball.
There is pari-mutuel betting on horse races which is available at racetracks. Furthermore, some racetracks further developed and included card clubs into their offer. In this way, they managed to stay with their head above the water, due to card games that are allowed in card clubs' premises.
Charitable gambling is also an option in Minnesota and includes a few different games: bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, paddlewheels, and tip boards.
Yet, casinos are usually the main point of interest for any regular bettor. In Minnesota, the only type of casinos you can find is the tribal casino, but they do not differ much from the standard land-based casinos. Here you will find games like video poker, slots, blackjack, and others.
Minnesota Gambling Enforcement
Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?
Although it does offer several forms of land-based gambling options, Minnesota is quite narrow-minded when it comes to online gambling. In this state, online gambling is not officially legalized in any way.
There were times when residents of Minnesota could enjoy off-track betting and online lottery, but that's not the case anymore, at least by law. Some sites you can find on the Internet will still accept your bets on horse races, but they probably won't include the races held at Minnesota racetracks.
Daily Fantasy Sports are practiced by some residents through several popular gambling operators, although not officially legal by law.
However, there is nothing in the books that specifically mentions offshore gambling sites, which is why people from Minnesota enjoy casino games through gambling operators that are based out of the state and accept US players. Best texas holdem starting hands. The residents of Minnesota hope something will change soon regarding the legality of online gambling in the state, as in this way they cannot completely relax when gambling online.
Minnesota State Gambling
Where to Gamble in Minnesota?
Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park is a perfect blend between a horse-racing track and a casino. It is the most visited establishment during summer, as the time from May to September is filled with races. Moreover, when there are no races, there is something else to offer you the best possible entertainment.
This racetrack also includes a card club from the 1990s. Therefore, if you are a poker lover, this is an ideal place for you. The downside is the lack of accommodation at the place itself, but they were kind enough to recommend some of the closest options for you. You will find Canterbury Park at 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379.
Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack
If you want to have it all, this place is worth visiting. As you can see in the name itself, Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack will always have something to offer regardless of your gaming preferences. If you get bored of betting on horses and playing blackjack, you can check the entertainment program and laugh out loud watching a live comedy show. The last thing left to do is try something delicious made from locally grown fresh ingredients in the restaurant. See all this for yourself by visiting Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack at 15215 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN 55025.
Prairie's Edge Casino Resort
This casino is on our list due to the votes of people who have been regularly visiting it. Players love it because it offers so many dining options and great accommodation for a reasonable price. You can enjoy various gaming options here with the friendliest of staff you'll come across. If you want to relax after a busy day or night, jump into the pool or a hot tub and let your mind wander. Play your favorite games 24/7 at 5616 Prairies Edge Ln, Granite Falls, MN 56241.
FAQ
Are casinos legal in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a state where the only casino establishments allowed are the tribal ones where you can play poker and blackjack.
Is online gambling legal in Minnesota?
No, if we look from the legal perspective, no form of online gambling is officially allowed in Minnesota.
What games can you gamble on in Minnesota?
Several forms of gambling are licensed in Minnesota. There is charitable gambling, including bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, paddlewheels, and tip boards. Also, pari-mutuel betting on horse races, the state Lottery, and tribal casinos are all on the list of legal gambling activities.
What is the legal gambling age for players in Minnesota?
To be permitted to take part in any gambling activity in Minnesota, you need to be at least 18. However, Minnesota casinos that serve alcohol may set a limit for a minimum gambling age of 21 years.
Who regulates legal forms of gambling in Minnesota?
Several different authorities are in charge of gambling in Minnesota. There is the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety as a main regulating body. However, all forms of gambling that are considered legal in Minnesota have the authority dedicated to creating rules and regulations specific to it. That's why there is the Gambling Control Board, Minnesota Racing Commission, and Minnesota State Lottery, each of them in charge of a specific gambling form.
Minnesota was the first state to sign compacts with Native American tribes under the Indian Gambling Regulatory Act of 1988. Local lawmakers made a colossal blunder and failed to negotiate any provisions on tax contributions, essentially allowing Minnesota Indians to operate their businesses for free. Even worse, the state isn't allowed to re-negotiate any of these compacts without the tribes' approval. This oversight undoubtedly helped shape many local politicians' attitudes towards gambling, and its consequences are visible to this day.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has a long history of failed attempts to introduce more gambling-friendly legislation. In 1993, there was a legislative effort to legalize video lottery terminals in bars and restaurants, but this proposal was rejected the following year. In 2013, local lawmakers allowed the Minnesota Lottery to sell tickets online, but the results were unsatisfactory, and the entire program was terminated in 2015. In 2017, there was a push to legalize DFS contests within state lines, but the House struck down the proposal in 2018. We expect Minnesota politicians to be skeptical of any plan to expand the local gambling market in the foreseeable future.
Minnesota Gambling Law Summary
Minnesota regulations prohibit individuals from engaging in most forms of gambling outside tribal casinos and racetracks. This also applies to playing over the internet as gambling in this state is defined in very broad terms. The very act of placing a bet is considered a misdemeanor unless it is part of an exempt activity, such as lottery or social poker. Offshore gambling operators are not exempt, which makes the situation clear-cut. Note that Minnesota anti-gambling regulations include forfeiture provisions, and according to the local Attorney General, any computer used to place unlawful wagers is subject to those provisions.
Gambling in Minnesota is covered by Minnesota Statutes 349.11 et seq. and 609.75 et seq. The minimum gambling age is 18.
| Allowed | Notes | |
| Land-Based Gambling | Yes | Tribal casinos and pari-mutuel wagering |
| Online Gambling | No | Daily fantasy sports and skill games are allowed |
| Lottery | Yes | |
| Charitable Gaming | Yes | Bingo only |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 unless alcohol is served then it's 21 |
Online Gambling in Minnesota
Section 609 of Minnesota code criminalizes unregulated gambling, and the act of gambling itself has a rather broad definition. Most gambling-related offenses are likely to result in misdemeanor charges, but the state doesn't expressly prohibit online play. Consequently, the legal status of playing on offshore sites is somewhat complicated, but it's worth pointing out that the state never tried applying the general laws to offshore site customers.
This means that this issue has never been tackled in front of the court – and since the authorities aren't interested in prosecuting individual players anyway, most people simply assume that online gambling is legal within the borders of the state.
Minnesota Casinos
There are 11 federally-recognized Native American tribes in Minnesota, and they operate 18 casinos under the compacts signed with the state. These casinos offer slots, which are required to pay between 80% and 95%, as well as table games, such as blackjack, tri-card poker, or baccarat. The largest tribal casinos are located in Prior Lake (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel), Welch (Treasure Island Resort & Casino), Hinckley (Grand Casino Hinckley), and Carlton (Black Bear Casino Resort). Legal online gambling is limited to social sites, such as the Double Down Casino, which has ties to five of the local tribal venues. Engaging in real money gambling on offshore platforms is illegal and may expose the player to misdemeanor charges.
Minnesota Poker
Live poker is mostly played in tribal casinos and at both of the local racetracks, which have been allowed to offer competitive, unbanked card games since 1999. Minnesota laws preclude no-limit cash games, although fortunately, this does not apply to tournaments. Poker is considered a skill-based game, which makes it available for social gaming as long the value of prizes awarded for each competition or contest doesn't exceed $200.
Playing real money poker on offshore sites is just as illegal as playing casino games. If you want to play poker over the internet without breaking any laws in Minnesota, your options are limited to social sites such as Zynga Poker.
Minnesota Sports Betting
Sports betting is illegal in Minnesota, and local lawmakers are not considering introducing it to the North Star State anytime soon. Quite the contrary – the recent defeat of Rep. Tony Albright's DFS bill suggests that Minnesotan politicians aren't interested in expanding the local gambling market. Online betting via offshore sites is also prohibited and exposes you to the same charges as using an overseas casino site or poker room.
The only form of sports betting allowed in Minnesota is pari-mutuel on-track horse race betting.
Minnesota Daily Fantasy Sports
Minnesota has never officially legalized DFS contests, and this is unlikely to change after the recent failed push to regulate this form of gambling. The new DFS-friendly legislation was proposed in 2017 by Rep. Tony Albright but was unable to pass the House by 48-74 in April 2018. High-profile DFS sites, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo DFS, continue to offer their services to Minnesota residents, but they are undoubtedly operating in a legal grey area. At the moment, participating in paid DFS contests is a risky proposition. If the legality of these operations is ever challenged, individual players might find themselves exposed to the same misdemeanor charges that can be brought up against people engaging in other forms of internet gambling.
Minnesota Lotteries
The Minnesota State Lottery is allowed to offer draw games (both local and multi-state), scratch games, instant play tickets, and raffles. As mentioned, online ticket sales were introduced in 2013, but the program was terminated in 2015 due to unsatisfactory results. The Lottery website serves for information purposes only – all tickets must be purchased from licensed land-based retailers.
Minnesota Bingo
Land-based bingo is available commercially in the tribal casinos and as a charity game. Online play is prohibited, and there are no state-sanctioned sites offering bingo to Minnesota residents. Engaging in real money play on offshore sites makes players liable to misdemeanor charges.
Minnesota Online Gambling FAQ
What types of gambling are available in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a fairly gambling-friendly state, especially when it comes to land-based games. The state has several Indian casinos, and the local racetrack is currently working on opening the first commercial gambling establishment in the area. Like most US states, Minnesota has a state-run lottery and allows pari-mutuel betting. However, the state doesn't have regulated online gambling aside from some pull-tab games that can be played remotely since late 2012.
What laws cover online gambling in Minnesota?
All of the issues dealing with playing games of chances for money in a land-based setting are explained in the Minnesota code. Although none of the Minnesota regulations refer to online gambling directly, you need to keep in mind that it may be argued that some of the rules do indeed extend to online play. However, Minnesota authorities have never attempted to use this loophole the prosecute an online player, which is the reason why most experts consider Minnesota to be a rather iGaming-friendly state.
Is real money online gambling legal in Minnesota?
Internet gambling isn't prohibited in Minnesota, and local law enforcement isn't interested in using the existing regulations to prevent Minnesota residents from playing on offshore sites.
Which offshore gambling sites accept Minnesota residents?
Most offshore sites accept new customers from Minnesota because the local regulations do not prohibit online gambling.
What are the most popular banking options supported by Minnesota -facing sites?
If you live in Minnesota, the best way to deposit to an offshore site would be to use your credit or debit card. Cashing out also shouldn't be much of an issue, as most sites will allow you to choose between a standard wire transfer and a VIP check by courier. Please note that the latter withdrawal method is rather expensive and should be used exclusively for large payouts.
Gambling in Minnesota debuted rather late, with Bingo in 1945, but only through charities. In 1978, new gambling options appeared, such as raffles, paddlewheels and tip boards. Three years later, pull-tabs joined the gang of officially allowed forms of gambling in Minnesota.
While many states started their gambling adventure with horse racing, this wasn't the case with the North Star State. A constitutional amendment pushed forward the legislation of the horse racing industry in 1982 (which got its legal framework in 1983) and caused the forming of the Minnesota Racing Commission.
An attempt to legalize off-track betting was made in 1989; it went through but didn't last for long. It was ruled unconstitutional after only three years. Minnesota tried to get back to off-track betting once again in 1994, yet the suggestion didn't impress voters.
Lottery made its way through legislation with the other forms of gambling in 1988. Around this time, the tribal casinos were a rising star in gambling as well. Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that same year and allowed tribal lands to regulate casino-style gambling activities. The following year, together with off-track betting, seven tribal casinos started offering slot games and video poker, joined by blackjack in 1991.
The last form of gambling that joined the scene were card clubs that served as the last hope for the racetracks that were not in operation anymore. A card club license enabled tracks like Canterbury Park to offer betting on specific card games.
In this text, we will discuss Minnesota gambling laws and the current status of online gambling in the state. Also, you will find a few specific options regarding gambling facilities so, if you are interested, read on.
Top 3 Minnesota Online Casinos
Gambling Laws in Minnesota — The Law Overview
So far, we have covered a brief history of gambling in Minnesota from the day the first form of gambling was legalized. Now is the time to clarify gambling laws and organizations in charge of regulating gambling activities.
The omnipotent regulating body for gambling in the North Star State is the Alcohol, and Gambling Enforcement Division of Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS-AGED). This department deals with investigating crimes related to illegal gambling. Another duty of AGED is to license and regulate slot machines and other gambling devices, and also to monitor all the gambling establishments in the name of the state.
For licensing and regulating lawful charitable gambling in Minnesota, the state created the Gambling Control Board (GCB). This particular organization takes care of bingo, raffles, pull tabs, paddle wheels, or tip boards, as well as of the modus operandi of the charitable organizations offering these games.
There is the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) that oversees the all-time favorite horse racing, including the tracks that also offer card rooms. Finally, the Minnesota State Lottery regulates everything related to lottery, from multi-state games to scratch-off cards.
As we can see, all different forms of gambling in Minnesota have a dedicated organization that sets the rules and ensures the same are followed at any point in time. Also, Minnesota laws require a gambling activity to consist of three elements: consideration, chance, and prize. To be considered gambling, an activity must include all these elements.
Among Minnesota Statutes, you can find all the documents essential for regulating gambling in the state, including the ones about gambling enforcement. Additionally, the Minnesota Gambling Control Board published the in-depth information on lawful gambling rules regarding every form of gambling available to the residents of the state.
Minnesota State Gambling Rules
What Forms of Gambling Are Allowed in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows several forms of gambling at the moment. The Minnesota Lottery is one of those forms which enables you to buy scratch-off tickets or take part in multi-state lotteries like Powerball.
There is pari-mutuel betting on horse races which is available at racetracks. Furthermore, some racetracks further developed and included card clubs into their offer. In this way, they managed to stay with their head above the water, due to card games that are allowed in card clubs' premises.
Charitable gambling is also an option in Minnesota and includes a few different games: bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, paddlewheels, and tip boards.
Yet, casinos are usually the main point of interest for any regular bettor. In Minnesota, the only type of casinos you can find is the tribal casino, but they do not differ much from the standard land-based casinos. Here you will find games like video poker, slots, blackjack, and others.
Minnesota Gambling Enforcement
Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?
Although it does offer several forms of land-based gambling options, Minnesota is quite narrow-minded when it comes to online gambling. In this state, online gambling is not officially legalized in any way.
There were times when residents of Minnesota could enjoy off-track betting and online lottery, but that's not the case anymore, at least by law. Some sites you can find on the Internet will still accept your bets on horse races, but they probably won't include the races held at Minnesota racetracks.
Daily Fantasy Sports are practiced by some residents through several popular gambling operators, although not officially legal by law.
However, there is nothing in the books that specifically mentions offshore gambling sites, which is why people from Minnesota enjoy casino games through gambling operators that are based out of the state and accept US players. Best texas holdem starting hands. The residents of Minnesota hope something will change soon regarding the legality of online gambling in the state, as in this way they cannot completely relax when gambling online.
Minnesota State Gambling
Where to Gamble in Minnesota?
Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park is a perfect blend between a horse-racing track and a casino. It is the most visited establishment during summer, as the time from May to September is filled with races. Moreover, when there are no races, there is something else to offer you the best possible entertainment.
This racetrack also includes a card club from the 1990s. Therefore, if you are a poker lover, this is an ideal place for you. The downside is the lack of accommodation at the place itself, but they were kind enough to recommend some of the closest options for you. You will find Canterbury Park at 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379.
Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack
If you want to have it all, this place is worth visiting. As you can see in the name itself, Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack will always have something to offer regardless of your gaming preferences. If you get bored of betting on horses and playing blackjack, you can check the entertainment program and laugh out loud watching a live comedy show. The last thing left to do is try something delicious made from locally grown fresh ingredients in the restaurant. See all this for yourself by visiting Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack at 15215 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN 55025.
Prairie's Edge Casino Resort
This casino is on our list due to the votes of people who have been regularly visiting it. Players love it because it offers so many dining options and great accommodation for a reasonable price. You can enjoy various gaming options here with the friendliest of staff you'll come across. If you want to relax after a busy day or night, jump into the pool or a hot tub and let your mind wander. Play your favorite games 24/7 at 5616 Prairies Edge Ln, Granite Falls, MN 56241.
FAQ
Are casinos legal in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a state where the only casino establishments allowed are the tribal ones where you can play poker and blackjack.
Is online gambling legal in Minnesota?
No, if we look from the legal perspective, no form of online gambling is officially allowed in Minnesota.
What games can you gamble on in Minnesota?
Several forms of gambling are licensed in Minnesota. There is charitable gambling, including bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, paddlewheels, and tip boards. Also, pari-mutuel betting on horse races, the state Lottery, and tribal casinos are all on the list of legal gambling activities.
What is the legal gambling age for players in Minnesota?
To be permitted to take part in any gambling activity in Minnesota, you need to be at least 18. However, Minnesota casinos that serve alcohol may set a limit for a minimum gambling age of 21 years.
Who regulates legal forms of gambling in Minnesota?
Several different authorities are in charge of gambling in Minnesota. There is the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety as a main regulating body. However, all forms of gambling that are considered legal in Minnesota have the authority dedicated to creating rules and regulations specific to it. That's why there is the Gambling Control Board, Minnesota Racing Commission, and Minnesota State Lottery, each of them in charge of a specific gambling form.
Minnesota was the first state to sign compacts with Native American tribes under the Indian Gambling Regulatory Act of 1988. Local lawmakers made a colossal blunder and failed to negotiate any provisions on tax contributions, essentially allowing Minnesota Indians to operate their businesses for free. Even worse, the state isn't allowed to re-negotiate any of these compacts without the tribes' approval. This oversight undoubtedly helped shape many local politicians' attitudes towards gambling, and its consequences are visible to this day.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has a long history of failed attempts to introduce more gambling-friendly legislation. In 1993, there was a legislative effort to legalize video lottery terminals in bars and restaurants, but this proposal was rejected the following year. In 2013, local lawmakers allowed the Minnesota Lottery to sell tickets online, but the results were unsatisfactory, and the entire program was terminated in 2015. In 2017, there was a push to legalize DFS contests within state lines, but the House struck down the proposal in 2018. We expect Minnesota politicians to be skeptical of any plan to expand the local gambling market in the foreseeable future.
Minnesota Gambling Law Summary
Minnesota regulations prohibit individuals from engaging in most forms of gambling outside tribal casinos and racetracks. This also applies to playing over the internet as gambling in this state is defined in very broad terms. The very act of placing a bet is considered a misdemeanor unless it is part of an exempt activity, such as lottery or social poker. Offshore gambling operators are not exempt, which makes the situation clear-cut. Note that Minnesota anti-gambling regulations include forfeiture provisions, and according to the local Attorney General, any computer used to place unlawful wagers is subject to those provisions.
Gambling in Minnesota is covered by Minnesota Statutes 349.11 et seq. and 609.75 et seq. The minimum gambling age is 18.
| Allowed | Notes | |
| Land-Based Gambling | Yes | Tribal casinos and pari-mutuel wagering |
| Online Gambling | No | Daily fantasy sports and skill games are allowed |
| Lottery | Yes | |
| Charitable Gaming | Yes | Bingo only |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 unless alcohol is served then it's 21 |
Online Gambling in Minnesota
Section 609 of Minnesota code criminalizes unregulated gambling, and the act of gambling itself has a rather broad definition. Most gambling-related offenses are likely to result in misdemeanor charges, but the state doesn't expressly prohibit online play. Consequently, the legal status of playing on offshore sites is somewhat complicated, but it's worth pointing out that the state never tried applying the general laws to offshore site customers.
This means that this issue has never been tackled in front of the court – and since the authorities aren't interested in prosecuting individual players anyway, most people simply assume that online gambling is legal within the borders of the state.
Minnesota Casinos
There are 11 federally-recognized Native American tribes in Minnesota, and they operate 18 casinos under the compacts signed with the state. These casinos offer slots, which are required to pay between 80% and 95%, as well as table games, such as blackjack, tri-card poker, or baccarat. The largest tribal casinos are located in Prior Lake (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel), Welch (Treasure Island Resort & Casino), Hinckley (Grand Casino Hinckley), and Carlton (Black Bear Casino Resort). Legal online gambling is limited to social sites, such as the Double Down Casino, which has ties to five of the local tribal venues. Engaging in real money gambling on offshore platforms is illegal and may expose the player to misdemeanor charges.
Minnesota Poker
Live poker is mostly played in tribal casinos and at both of the local racetracks, which have been allowed to offer competitive, unbanked card games since 1999. Minnesota laws preclude no-limit cash games, although fortunately, this does not apply to tournaments. Poker is considered a skill-based game, which makes it available for social gaming as long the value of prizes awarded for each competition or contest doesn't exceed $200.
Playing real money poker on offshore sites is just as illegal as playing casino games. If you want to play poker over the internet without breaking any laws in Minnesota, your options are limited to social sites such as Zynga Poker.
Minnesota Sports Betting
Sports betting is illegal in Minnesota, and local lawmakers are not considering introducing it to the North Star State anytime soon. Quite the contrary – the recent defeat of Rep. Tony Albright's DFS bill suggests that Minnesotan politicians aren't interested in expanding the local gambling market. Online betting via offshore sites is also prohibited and exposes you to the same charges as using an overseas casino site or poker room.
The only form of sports betting allowed in Minnesota is pari-mutuel on-track horse race betting.
Minnesota Daily Fantasy Sports
Minnesota has never officially legalized DFS contests, and this is unlikely to change after the recent failed push to regulate this form of gambling. The new DFS-friendly legislation was proposed in 2017 by Rep. Tony Albright but was unable to pass the House by 48-74 in April 2018. High-profile DFS sites, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo DFS, continue to offer their services to Minnesota residents, but they are undoubtedly operating in a legal grey area. At the moment, participating in paid DFS contests is a risky proposition. If the legality of these operations is ever challenged, individual players might find themselves exposed to the same misdemeanor charges that can be brought up against people engaging in other forms of internet gambling.
Minnesota Lotteries
The Minnesota State Lottery is allowed to offer draw games (both local and multi-state), scratch games, instant play tickets, and raffles. As mentioned, online ticket sales were introduced in 2013, but the program was terminated in 2015 due to unsatisfactory results. The Lottery website serves for information purposes only – all tickets must be purchased from licensed land-based retailers.
Minnesota Bingo
Land-based bingo is available commercially in the tribal casinos and as a charity game. Online play is prohibited, and there are no state-sanctioned sites offering bingo to Minnesota residents. Engaging in real money play on offshore sites makes players liable to misdemeanor charges.
Minnesota Online Gambling FAQ
What types of gambling are available in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a fairly gambling-friendly state, especially when it comes to land-based games. The state has several Indian casinos, and the local racetrack is currently working on opening the first commercial gambling establishment in the area. Like most US states, Minnesota has a state-run lottery and allows pari-mutuel betting. However, the state doesn't have regulated online gambling aside from some pull-tab games that can be played remotely since late 2012.
What laws cover online gambling in Minnesota?
All of the issues dealing with playing games of chances for money in a land-based setting are explained in the Minnesota code. Although none of the Minnesota regulations refer to online gambling directly, you need to keep in mind that it may be argued that some of the rules do indeed extend to online play. However, Minnesota authorities have never attempted to use this loophole the prosecute an online player, which is the reason why most experts consider Minnesota to be a rather iGaming-friendly state.
Is real money online gambling legal in Minnesota?
Internet gambling isn't prohibited in Minnesota, and local law enforcement isn't interested in using the existing regulations to prevent Minnesota residents from playing on offshore sites.
Which offshore gambling sites accept Minnesota residents?
Most offshore sites accept new customers from Minnesota because the local regulations do not prohibit online gambling.
What are the most popular banking options supported by Minnesota -facing sites?
If you live in Minnesota, the best way to deposit to an offshore site would be to use your credit or debit card. Cashing out also shouldn't be much of an issue, as most sites will allow you to choose between a standard wire transfer and a VIP check by courier. Please note that the latter withdrawal method is rather expensive and should be used exclusively for large payouts.
Does Minnesota offer any intrastate online gambling?
Except for remote pull-tab games, Minnesota-based companies aren't allowed to offer remote gambling products. This means that Minnesota-based gamblers have to stick to offshore sites that accept new customers from the United States, such as Bovada.
Is it likely for Minnesota to regulate online gambling?
Minnesota Online Gambling Rules
Minnesota isn't one of the states that are firmly against legalized online gambling, but unfortunately, the local lawmakers aren't interested in pushing for a new iGaming bill either. This means that while Minnesota is likely to regulate its online gambling in the future, the change won't happen anytime soon.
Minnesota Gambling Statutes
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