Minnesota Casino Laws

According to state law, gambling casinos are illegal in the state of Minnesota. However, the state government has made an exception for any casino that is owned and operated by an American Indian tribe. If a native Minnesota tribe meets the requirements for approval, then it is legally allowed to run bingo games, slot machines, blackjack, poker tables and off-track betting.

There are two government regulatory boards that pertain to Minnesota gambling. The first is the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Gambling Enforcement Division. The primary responsibility of this regulatory board is to provide background investigations as it pertains to licensing of gaming distributors, manufacturers and operators.

The second state government regulatory board is known as the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. This board is directly responsible for regulating the gaming industry in Minnesota. It also issues gaming licenses and collects licensing fees. Presently, the board has awarded 11 gaming compacts to Minnesota-based Tribal governments. Via these compacts, there are now more than a dozen casinos operating throughout the state of Minnesota. The two largest are Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Treasure Island resort Casino in Red Wing, Minnesota.

The minimum age for gambling at a Minnesota casino is 18. There are no time limits placed on gambling and casinos are generally open 24 hours a day. Beyond tribal casinos, charitable gambling and lottery gaming are also both available in Minnesota. Riverboat gambling is not available in Minnesota.