Not only are Minnesota online casinos illegal to host, but the law explicitly states that participation in “web casinos that take your money” is illegal. This law, however hard to implement, is a very specific description of accessing online gambling options that we haven’t seen from many other states around the country. In Minnesota there are many residents that access casinos hosted outside the state, and this thus far is an activity that goes largely unchecked. If you don’t fancy enjoying the gaming experience within the grey areas of the law, there are plenty of land-based casinos in the tribal reservation territories of Minnesota that you can participate in completely legally. Throughout this review we’ll get into the specific details of the local gambling laws, the history of casinos and the future potential of sweeping online casinos legislation for the North Star State

Available Casino Games in Minnesota

In Minnesota there are particularly harsh restrictions placed on individuals and organizations looking to engage in online gambling. If you’re seeking to establish a web casino within the North Star State, the local law explicitly prohibits that, and the Minnesota Public Safety Department will be paying you a visit to shut the operation down. However, as the internet spread throughout the late 20th century, people have more freedoms to access casinos hosted in other jurisdictions. Minnesota residents are able to play a variety of casino games at un-regulated online casinos hosted “off-shore” and at the many land-based options established in the tribal territories of the state. Below we have compiled a list of the most popular games for Minnesota residents.

Biggest State Land-Based Casinos

Luckily for gamblers residing in the North Star State, there is an abundance of tribal lands throughout the territory. The laws regarding casinos only extend to the land controlled by the state government, exceptions to legally operate have and continue to be granted to tribal enterprises that wish to establish casinos. The reasons for this are many and complex, they essentially revolve around huge injustices that were inflicted against native American people, and these modern day gambling policies are intended as an ad-hoc wealth redistribution scheme. Similar to many other states throughout the United States, tourists flock from neighboring states for a high-quality and memorable casino experience. Below we have assembled the top five venues for legal casino gambling in Minnesota.

History of Casino Gambling in Minnesota

There are still residents in Minnesota that will remember the early days of gambling in the late 40s, when slot machines, table games and a multitude of poker tournaments were frequent. During this period the politics was far more sympathetic to the cause of gambling advocates. The tide turned back and forth, but the general story of Minnesota casinos is one of incremental legislation. Every few years the issue is again revisited, and usually, more concessions are given to casino owners and advocates. Following the second world war the law has been gradually allowing more freedom to gambling operators and the industry has seen steady year-on-year growth since the initial decision to legalize was taken. In the below timeline we have outlined some of the key milestones in the journey so far.

Casino Gambling Age in Minnesota

The online casinos available throughout the country are not hosted within Minnesota as it is illegal. However, they are still accessible from the North Star State, and many exist in jurisdictions with strict laws, over 21 policy and regulations for online casino operators. Whilst this is reassuring you should also bear in mind that if you have a dispute with one of these operators over unpaid winnings or a similar financial issue, you would have no discourse within Minnesota and no law enforcement or adjudicator would be able to assist you. At this point it is worth reminding you this precaution is unlikely, and to this date no resident of Minnesota has been charged for breaking online gambling laws.

• Online Casino Age
  The age to access casinos in tribal areas and “off-shore” online platforms is 21 throughout the state.
• Alcohol Age
  To drink alcohol in Minnesota individuals have to be over the age of 21, the national limit.
• Weed Age
  Marijuana has been legalized for medical use but remains decriminalized for recreational use.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

The Minnesota Public Safety Department has been very explicit in their prohibition of online gambling. In fact, they warn users against accessing “off-shore” providers by reminding them that no assistance will be provided by local law enforcement should the service be fraudulent, unethical or funds not be paid. This hard line approach extends into support for gambling addiction, there are very few organizations and NGO’s within Minnesota that are willing and equip to tackle this pertinent issue. If you are suffering from the urge to gamble excessively, then seek help and try to take a break from gambling until full-control is restored. In fact, many of the land-based venues will have staff trained in this issue, they are able to exclude you for a period of time or give you guidance on how to gamble responsibly and overcome addiction.

Can I Play Without Deposit?

Another great advantage of using betting services that belong in a regulated and licensed market is the swathe of competition that spawns from it. One look at territories with liberalized gambling laws and you will notice how abundantly available online casinos are. With so much competition between rival firms, generous offers are being introduced on a daily basis. The chance to play games without placing deposits is one of the best ways to attract new customers. Unfortunately, players within the state will have no access to such deals as all types of online casinos are strictly forbidden in MN.

Upcoming Casino Regulation and Expected Changes

As of 2019 the Minnesota State Legislature is debating online casinos and sports betting legislation. The political dynamic around this issue is not unique to the North Star State, in fact it is an almost direct representation of similar pitfalls experienced in other neighboring territories. There are powerful entities with a vested financial interest in sweeping legislation to not be implemented, mostly casino owners and tribal casino owners, who are worried about reduced footfall should online casinos be legalized. But as we have already explored, this effect would be negligible as these services are already accessed en masse. If these issues can be ironed out, Minnesota could join the small group of states taking a progressive stance on the issue of web gambling. In the meantime, feel free to explore our ranking of the top online gambling sites and learn more about the industry.

Casino Guides for Nearby States

• Iowa
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin