So you're in the Twin Cities and the poker itch won't go away, or maybe you just want to hear the actual coins drop instead of watching pixels spin on a phone screen. Finding a casino near Minneapolis isn't complicated, but knowing which one actually deserves your time and gas money is a different story. You've got options scattered around the metro, but driving 45 minutes in the wrong direction for tight slots and bad buffet food is a rookie mistake.
Let's cut through the noise. The Minneapolis area is unique because of the complex web of state laws and tribal compacts that dictate where you can play. You won't find a glittering tower on Nicollet Mall downtown. Instead, the action is concentrated in specific ring suburbs and tribal lands, offering everything from blackjack to high-stakes bingo.
If you are looking for casinos near Minneapolis, you need to look at the ring suburbs. Minnesota law restricts casino gaming to tribal lands, which creates clusters of venues just outside the city limits.
Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Columbus is often the go-to for players coming from the northern suburbs or St. Paul. It's physically the closest full-scale gaming facility to the downtown area for many. While it's known for the use racing track, the casino floor is substantial. They offer a solid poker room that consistently runs cash games and tournaments, plus a selection of table games like blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. However, due to state regulations, Running Aces focuses heavily on card-based gaming rather than the massive slot floors you might find elsewhere.
Heading south, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake is the heavy hitter. Operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, this is arguably the biggest gaming destination in the region. It feels like a destination resort rather than just a local spot. The slot floor is massive, featuring thousands of machines ranging from pennies to high limits. They also host big-name entertainment and have a golf course on property. If you want the full 'Vegas in Minnesota' vibe without the airfare, this is usually the play.
The casinos in Minnesota landscape is dominated by tribal operations, and two other major players compete heavily for the Minneapolis crowd.
Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch is a short drive south of the city. Don't let the somewhat rural setting fool you; the floor is packed with slots and table games. Treasure Island has carved out a niche for having one of the best poker rooms in the state and offers a distinct island theme that sets it apart from the more industrial feel of some competitors. It's a favorite for players who want a mix of serious gaming action and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the colossal Mystic Lake.
Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs are further out, but they draw a specific crowd. While not immediate neighbors to Minneapolis, the Mille Lacs location is a frequent weekend trip for city residents. They offer a strong loyalty program and hotels that are geared towards staycations. If you are planning a weekend getaway rather than a Tuesday night spin session, the Grand properties offer detailed packages including dining and entertainment.
| Casino | Distance from Minneapolis | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Aces | ~25 min (North) | Racetrack, Poker Room, Table Games | Poker players, Racing fans |
| Mystic Lake | ~35 min (Southwest) | Large slot floor, Hotel, Golf, Entertainment | Full resort experience, Slots |
| Treasure Island | ~40 min (South) | Island theme, Poker, Table Games, Marina | Atmosphere, Table game variety |
| Jackpot Junction | ~1.5 hours (West) | Slots, Bingo, Golf | Bingo enthusiasts, Weekend trips |
Here is the elephant in the room: Minnesota has not yet legalized real-money online casinos. While states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan allow you to play DraftKings Casino or BetMGM on your couch, Minnesotans currently cannot legally access these regulated apps for slots or table games.
However, this doesn't mean you are stuck driving to Prior Lake every time you want to wager. Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos have filled the void for many players. Platforms like Stake.us, McLuck, or WOW Vegas operate legally in Minnesota. They use a dual-currency system where you play with Gold Coins for fun or Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for cash prizes. It's a workaround, but for many players, it satisfies the urge to spin reels without the 40-minute drive.
Sports betting is a similar story - legalized in 2022, but the rollout has been slow and strictly limited to retail locations for now, though mobile betting legislation continues to be debated at the capitol.
When you walk into a casino near Minneapolis MN, you will find a gaming mix that differs from Las Vegas strip properties. Because of the specific tribal compacts and state laws, you won't find craps or roulette at every location.
For a long time, Minnesota tribal casinos were restricted from offering dice games and ball games. This led to the proliferation of card-based variations. You will find plenty of blackjack tables - often with favorable rules compared to Vegas tourist traps. Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, and Let It Ride are staples on the floor.
Recently, some compacts have been amended to allow for craps and roulette, but it varies by property. Mystic Lake and Treasure Island are the most likely to have full table game spreads, including electronic versions of roulette that satisfy the letter of the law. If you are a dice shooter, you should call ahead to Running Aces or check the Grand Casino websites to see if they have implemented the new table game additions.
Slots, however, are universal. You will find the same themes you see nationally - Buffalo, Wheel of Fortune, and progressive jackpots linked across the property. The payout percentages in Minnesota are generally competitive, though they are not publicly audited in the same way New Jersey casinos are required to report.
Minneapolis casinos have realized they can't just rely on gambling to pull in the crowd, especially with such competitive dining scenes in the Twin Cities.
Mystic Lake has aggressively pursued this with its hotel renovations and eateries. You aren't just eating at a buffet (though they have a famous one); you have access to steakhouses and casual grills that stand on their own. The Treasure Island marina and surrounding area offer water activities in the summer that non-gamblers enjoy, making it a viable spot for couples with differing interests.
Running Aces leans into the sports bar vibe. It's a great spot to watch a Vikings game, place a sports bet (if retail is available), and play cards. The atmosphere is more casual and less 'velvet rope' than the larger resort casinos.
No, there are no casinos located in downtown Minneapolis. Due to state gaming laws, casinos are restricted to specific tribal lands or racetrack locations. The closest options are Running Aces to the north and Mystic Lake to the southwest, both requiring a drive of roughly 25-35 minutes.
Yes, most casinos near Minneapolis, such as Mystic Lake and Treasure Island, offer complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to players on the gaming floor. However, you should always tip your cocktail waitress; a dollar or two per drink is standard etiquette.
This depends on the specific casino. Historically, state law prohibited games using dice or balls, but recent tribal compact amendments have allowed some locations to introduce them. Casinos like Mystic Lake offer electronic versions and have introduced traditional table games under new compacts. It is best to check the specific casino's website for their current table game offering.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake is widely considered the largest casino near Minneapolis. It features over 4,000 slot machines, hundreds of hotel rooms, and extensive dining and entertainment options, making it the closest experience to a major Las Vegas resort in the area.
Real-money online casino gaming is not currently legal in Minnesota. You cannot legally play slots or table games for money on apps like FanDuel or DraftKings Casino within state lines. However, social and sweepstakes casinos are legal and offer a play-money alternative with the option to redeem prizes.
