Best Minnesota Online Casino Sites 2024

Minnesota is known for its beautiful culture, landscape, and, of course, entertainment activities. However, does this entertainment include accessing a Minnesota online casino? You’re about to find out.

In the US, online gambling laws differ across states, including Minnesota. Although the Gopher State isn’t strict on gambling, certain forms are legal while others aren’t. This article extensively discusses where real-money online casinos stand in all these and reviews some of the best alternatives to try out.

First, let’s examine the Minnesota law about real money online casinos.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Learn what the Minnesota law says about real money online gambling.
Find out the gambling options available to residents.
Discover the top three high-rated land-based casinos in Minnesota.

Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Minnesota?

In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed in Minnesota, legalizing gambling on tribal lands. This act resulted in the state witnessing several forms of gambling, including land casinos, the state lottery, and card clubs.

Unfortunately, the real money online casino Minnesota platform isn’t on the list. So, presently, Minnesota does not permit online casinos with real money wagers. However, there is a legal alternative in the state known as sweepstakes online casinos.

Social casinos use virtual currencies; hence, they are legal in the state. Minnesotans who enjoy casino-style gaming, from slots to table games, would find such casinos an equally rewarding and entertaining alternative.

To know more about other states’ online gambling status, check out our in-depth guide.

Fact: Online casinos aren’t considered much in the state, as no bill has been introduced or proposed to legalize online casinos in Minnesota.

Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Minnesota

With Minnesota lagging in the approval of online casinos, it’s no surprise that residents continually seek legal online casino alternatives to try out. Thanks to sweepstakes casinos, players now have the opportunity to play their favorite games for free and still land prizes like cash and gift cards.

From our list of the best US sweepstakes casinos, we selected those that welcome MN players. Here’s a list of the top ones for Minnesota players in 2024.

Vegas Gems in Minnesota

Vegas Gems has established itself as one of the best online casino Minnesota sites with several impressive features. The Sweepstakes casino site offers new users a welcome bonus of 1000 no-deposit gems as a head start. At Vegas Gems, the user-friendly interface makes gameplay completely smooth and fun.

One area of the casino you’ll grow to love is how thoughtfully crafted the loyalty program is, as it offers a rich mix of unique rewards. Vegas Gems also has over 350 games in its library, which includes original in-house titles and games from known software providers.

→ Gems Wild Tiles by IGT offers engaging gameplay and unique bonus features, making it a perfect first choice for Vegas Gems.

WOW Vegas in Minnesota

At WOW Vegas, players can dive into a new world of fun games, bonuses, and continuous excitement. The online sweepstakes casino welcomes new users with a sign-up bonus of 250,000 WOW Coins (WC) and 5 SCs. You can use your WCs to try different fun games on the site and redeem your SC for cash prizes.

WOW Vegas boasts over 1,000 games, all from providers like Betsoft Gaming and Pragmatic Play. The casino’s loyalty program is worth mentioning, as it offers players several lucrative benefits, including a log-in bonus, birthday rewards, and so much more.

→ A game worth trying for its 4,500x max win as a first-time player is Pragmatic Play’s Black Bull.

Chumba Casino in Minnesota

Chumba Casino is an exceptional sweepstakes gaming platform that brings the excitement of casino gaming to your fingertips. This platform offers the best Minnesota online casino bonus of 2,000,000 GCs and 2 SCs without needing a purchase. However, the welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake, as the sweepstakes casino follows it up with free spin offers, regular giveaways, and other daily bonuses.

With a portfolio of over 150 games, Chumba helps ensure boredom stays far away from you by featuring an extensive array of slot and table games. One thing that’ll leave you awestruck while visiting the site is its sleek and immersive graphics, which give off a real-life casino vibe.

→ Although Chumba features several fun titles, the in-house title Stampede Fury, with its progressive jackpot, is a game you should not miss out on.

LuckyLand Slots in Minnesota

Since its launch in 2019, LuckyLand Slots has significantly increased its rating among players. The online casino Minnesota is welcoming and shows this by crediting new users with 7,777 GCs and 10 free SCs to begin gameplay.

LuckyLand features over 100 exciting slot titles you can play and enjoy anytime. One exciting aspect of the casino is the quality graphics of each game and the number of bonus features attached. Plus, you receive a unique bonus every day you log in and qualify for regular giveaway contests.

→ A fun game to try out once you sign up with LuckyLand Slots is Winner & a Movie, which allows you to play across 25 winning lines.

Sportzino Casino in Minnesota

For online casino game enthusiasts in Minnesota, Sportzino Sweepstakes Casino is a perfect site to play at. The platform offers generous bonuses to all players, starting with a new player sign-up bonus of 170,000 GC + 7 FREE SC. Thanks to its wide selection of games, Sportzino has also garnered several positive reviews from players worldwide.

Surpassing most of the newest free-to-play Minnesota online casino sites, Sportzino doubles as a sportsbook. The casino’s library features exclusive games from its parent company, Blazesoft, and other top software providers like Relax Gaming, Booming Games, and Evoplay.

As a player, you automatically qualify for the League of Champions VIP program, where you’ll be divided into sub-leagues and given exclusive bonuses.

→ To begin your gameplay, Playtech’s Lucky Panda is a nice game to try out. It has unique features, including wild, scatter, and free spins.

Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Minnesota

Although the land of 10,000 lakes is still strictly against the approval of Minnesota online casino sites, the MN state is more liberal with land-based casinos. Currently, the state boasts nearly two dozen physical casinos, offering many games and several other amenities for guests.

Here’s a list of the top land-based casinos you can pay a visit to when you’re in Minnesota.

Grand Casino in Hinckley

The Grand Casino is a fun casino and hotel resort that’s an excellent choice for both residents and visitors of Hinckley. Sitting on 54,800 square feet of gaming space, the casino boasts 2,144 gaming machines and 28 table games. There’s also a 300-seat bingo hall, poker room, and blackjack area to have fun playing.

Families are also not left behind, as they can bond at the heated outdoor pool, volleyball and basketball courts, and the various children’s play areas.

From the moment I stepped into the casino, I was impressed by the vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff. The variety of games and slot machines offered something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out…
Alayne Sorenson, from Google Review

Address: 777 Lady Luck Dr, Hinckley, MN 55037, United States
Phone Number: +1 320-384-7771
Website: grandcasinomn.com
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Review on Google: 3.8/5

Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton

Providing the perfect mix of fun, comfort, and convenience in the heart of the Minnesota River is Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel. The 440,000 square foot gaming floor features over 1,200 titles, a 250-seat state-of-the-art bingo hall, and several fun table games for gaming pleasure.

Jackpot Junction is also known for offering one of the best golfing experiences with an abundant list of dining options.

Had fun playing several different slot machines. Love the many vareties of machines to play. And the service from the coffee and lemonade server was great!
Susan Marrs, from Google Review

Address: 39375 County Rd. 24, Morton, MN 56270, United States
Phone Number: +1 800-946-2274
Website: jackpotjunction.com
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8 A M – 2 A M, Saturday – Sunday 24 Hours, & Monday 12–2 AM
Review on Google: 3.9/5

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake

If you’re around Prior Lake, visit Mystic Lake Casino Hotel for a fun getaway. The casino hotel features a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, a relaxing spa, a restaurant with delicious steaks and seafood, and a lively casino.

Mystic Lake Casino offers diverse games, including slots, blackjack, video poker, bingo, and electronic table games. You’ll also have free access to various giveaways and promotions once you become a member.

My husband and I had a wonderful time at this beautiful resort. Everything was top-notch. Service was great, and I won a couple hundred dollars playing at the casino.
Jazmine L, from Google Review

Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372, United States
Phone Number: +1 800-262-7799
Website: mysticlake.com
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Review on Google: 4.1/5

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Minnesota?

Minnesota taxes all gambling winnings. This tax applies to all winnings made by residents gambling in the state or via internet gambling across any US state. Unlike other states, there isn’t a fixed tax rate for gambling winnings in MN. So, your income bracket and tax filing status determine the amount of tax you pay from gambling wins.

This means that operators don’t withhold the state tax; instead, you’re to report it on your Minnesota return tax (Form M1, Individual Income Tax).

Moreover, depending on the winnings, a gambling operator will issue an IRS Form and automatically withhold the 24% federal tax before payout. This applies to winnings of $5,000 and above.

Other Legal Gambling Activities in Minnesota

While we wait for a Minnesota online casino, other gambling activities are available. These activities are regulated and overseen by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. Here are other legal gambling activities besides land and sweeping casinos:

Parimutuel Betting on Horse Races: In 1983, MN legalized betting on horse races, and this gambling market has remained open. There are a couple of horse racetracks in the state, such as Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Here, you can view horse races and bet on your favorite.
State Lottery: Minnesotans can also participate in the state lottery. The Minnesota state legislature created the state lottery in 1989, so involvement in the state lottery activities is legal.
Licensed Charitable Gambling: Minnesota supports charitable gambling by non-profit agencies. The activities supported include pull tabs, paddle wheels, tip-boards, bingo, and raffle games.
Poker: Playing poker games in licensed centers such as horse racing tracks, tribal casinos, and card clubs is permitted in the state.

Fact: Only tribal casinos are legal in Minnesota, and all function according to tribal-state compacts.

History of Gambling in Minnesota

After the Second World War, all forms of gambling in the state were prohibited, aside from charitable gambling for non-profit causes. As a result, Minnesota didn’t see much gambling activity until the 1900s. To date, the Gopher State is relatively slow compared to other states in supporting certain gambling activities.

Here are the major highlights in the history of gambling in Minnesota:

1857: All gambling activities were officially banned following an anti-gambling clause in the Minnesota Constitution.
1945: Bingo gambling was localized, however, only for charitable causes.
1978: Paddle wheels, tip-boards, and raffles were legalized in the state.
1983: Parimutuel betting was proposed and legalized in the state, resulting in the birth of horse race betting.
1988: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed, legalizing gambling on tribal lands.
1889: Voters in the state approved a constitutional amendment to legalize the state lottery.
1999: Canterbury Park was granted legislative authority to create a card club on the racetrack.
2016: A bill to legalize daily fantasy sports in the state was passed. However, it wasn’t voted for in the Senate, marking its end.

What’s Next for Minnesota Online Casinos?

Minnesota lawmakers have been keen on introducing sports betting to the state. As a result, so much attention and effort have been put into passing the sports betting bills.

Unfortunately, online casinos aren’t a priority at the moment. So, the probability of accessing a Minnesota online casino anytime soon remains uncertain. However, legalizing the sports betting market will go a long way toward drawing attention to other forms of gambling, including online casinos.

In an interview with WCCO, Rep. Zack Stephenson, the main sponsor of the sports betting bill, believes that sports fans can look forward to accessing sports betting services soon:

Well, I think momentum is building, I think we have a great chance.
Rep. Zack Stephenson

While this is great news for sports fans, Minnesotans searching for online casino gambling will have to make do with the top sweepstakes casino sites reviewed.

So, Will You Bet From Minnesota Tonight?

Yes, it is true that, for now, there are no Minnesota online casino sites for real money gambling. However, residents are not prevented from seeking alternatives, such as online sweepstakes casinos. Unlike conventional online casinos, sweepstakes platforms are legal to play at and offer Minnesotans generous signup bonuses.

Plus, you get to redeem Sweepstakes Coins for cash prizes while playing for free. On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit any of the land-based casinos reviewed above. However, ensure that you practice responsible gaming.

To start your gaming adventure in the best conditions, visit our Betting 101 educative guide. You’ll find expert tips and strategies to help you become a better player.