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Casinos in Minnesota

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If you’re looking for a casino in Minnesota, you’ll find that you’ve got plenty of choice. This state has 23 casinos in all – 22 Indian casinos and a racino – and all games are offered, from slots through to table games. As well as casinos, you’ll also find various bingo halls throughout MN. ... On this page, we’ll be going through everything you need to know about casino gambling in Minnesota. You’ll find a comprehensive Minnesota casinos map, plus we’ll also let you know about the biggest and best casinos in MN.

• Minnesota Casino List & Map
• Minnesota Gambling and Games
• Minnesota Legal Situation
• Minnesota Resorts and Trips
• Need more info? FAQ & About MN

Minnesota Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations

Overall, you’ll find 23 casinos for gambling in Minnesota, and they’re spread throughout the state. All but one of them are Indian casinos, which can be huge and offer all kinds of other entertainment and amenities. Below, you can see a Minnesota casinos map, making it easy to find the casino closest to you.

• Best Casinos (3)
• Biggest Casinos (3)
• Indian Casinos (21)
• Racinos (1)
• Cruise Ships/Riverboats (0)
• To See the Full List Casinos (23)

The Best Casinos in Minnesota

The Biggest Casinos in Minnesota

Are There Indian Casinos in Minnesota?

Yes, there are Indian casinos in Minnesota. In fact, all but one of the Minnesota casinos are found on reservations. These Indian casinos – also sometimes called tribal casinos or Native American casinos – can be absolutely massive, offering a huge range of games, as well as hotels, restaurants and live entertainment. Three of the best Indian casinos in Minnesota can be seen on the map below.

A racino is a horse racing track that also offers a casino, and there is one in Minnesota: Canterbury Park. Visiting a racino gives you the chances to experience the excitement of horse racing and the fun of casinos, all in one place.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Minnesota?

Riverboat casinos are popular in many states, offering players the chance to enjoy casino games in an interesting environment. There are not any riverboat casinos in MN though. You also won’t find any cruise ship casinos in Minnesota, which isn’t surprising, considering it’s over 1,000 miles to the nearest ocean! Don’t worry though, as the various Indian casinos in MN make up for the lack of water-based casinos.

Full Minnesota Casino List

Below, you’ll find a full list of all 23 casinos in Minnesota. You’ll also be able to see what type of casino each entry is, as well as its address. Take a look through the list and decide for yourself which casino in MN is perfect for you.

Expected New Casinos

There are not currently any plans to construct any more casinos in Minnesota. The last new casino to open in the state was Cedar Lakes, which opened in 2019, replacing the Palace Casino. This means that there won’t be any more gambling towns in Minnesota coming any time soon!

Gambling in Minnesota

Below, we’ve listed some of the main things you might want to know about gambling in Minnesota, including which casino games are offered and how old you need to be in order to gamble.

Casino Games in Minnesota

Quite simply, you’ll find pretty much every casino game you could want somewhere in Minnesota. Whether you want to spin the reels of slots or sit down at a poker tournament, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Below, you can see a rundown of some of the gambling options you’ll have in MN casinos.

• Colossal Wizards
• Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
• Forbidden Dragons
• Queen of the Wild II
• Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
• 20000+ slot machines
• Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments
• Popular providers: IGT, WMS
• Let it Ride
• Limit Holdem
• No Limit Holdem
• Crazy 4 Poke
• Fortune Pai Gow
• Sharp Shooter
• Only 24 poker tables found in the state
• American Roulette
• European Roulette
• Any 2 Card Blackjack
• Hand-Held Deck
• Single Deck
• Double Deck
• Many blackjack games offer side bets
• Chuck-A-Luck
• 75 Ball Bingo
• 90 Ball Bingo
• Daily Lotto Draws
• Mini Lottos
• Electronic Craps
• Electronic Blackjack
• Electronic Roulette
• Electronic 3-Card Poker
• Horse racing betting
• Dog racing betting
• Not possible to legally bet on any other sports

Gambling Legal Situation in Minnesota

Taxation of winnings.

Gambling winnings in Minnesota are subject to both federal and state taxation. Federal tax is levied at a rate of 24% and all casino winnings that exceed the limits set for a particular game ($1,200 for slots), as well as wins that are 300x the bet size or more. State taxation varies depending on the prize won and whether you’re a Minnesota resident or not.

Minnesota Gambling Laws

There have been a number of gambling laws passed in Minnesota over the years. You can see more specific laws about gambling in Minnesota below, or you can check out our section on US gambling laws on our homepage.

Provides laws for the regulation of lawful gambling

Confirms that social gambling is legal in Minnesota

Legalization of bingo and pull tabs in bars

Take a look below to find out how gambling in Minnesota has changed over the years, as the state slowly began to offer more and more gambling options.

1945-1981 Limited charitable betting, including bingo, is the only form of gambling permitted in Minnesota.

1983 Voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize pari-mutuel betting in the state. This is still governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 240.

1988 The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is passed, which leads to numerous tribal casinos opening not just in Minnesota, but throughout the United States. Jackpot Junction, previously a bingo hall, becomes the state’s first casino.

1989 The state lottery is created.

1999 Canterbury Park is given permission to open a card room on its premises.

2016 A bill to authorize fantasy sports betting was passed in the House but did not come to a vote in the Senate.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

At the moment, most focus seems to be on sports betting. With many other states legalizing it, there are many in MN who believe that it should be legalized in their state. Bills have been drafted in the past, but have been unsuccessful. Sports betting has so far been opposed by Minnesota tribes.

Minnesota Casino Resorts and Trips

Looking to head somewhere that offers gambling, as well as loads of entertainment? If so, a casino resort could be the perfect choice. Getting to one is simple too, as many companies offer tours. You can find out more about Minnesota casino resorts and tours when you take a look below.

Casino Resorts

Minnesota has some fantastic casino resorts, which can offer everything from relaxing spas, through to exciting live entertainment. Some choose to visit a resort for a day, while others turn the experience into a vacation, staying there for a few nights in order to soak up everything the resort has to offer. We’ve listed three of the best Minnesota casino resorts below.

Casino Trips

With the high number of great casino resorts found in Minnesota, it’s no surprise that there are many tour companies offering to take people to them. These companies provide transport to and from the casino, plus they also often offer special perks too. Check out three top Minnesota casino trip providers below.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.

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Welcome to Seven Clans Casinos, the hottest gaming destination of the north! Whether you like playing slots, blackjack or poker, our casino is the place to be. Discover non-stop gaming action and first-rate customer service.

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The Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls location boasts a 40,000 square foot water park with four large water slides, three mini-slides, two hot tubs, a lazy river, shallow wading pool, swimming pool, and balcony seating.

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• New slide and bridge in the center of the water park
• New swings in the kiddie pool
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• Free access to electronic keypad lockers within the park
• Rock Climbing wall - (Separate fee to utilize the wall, up to 3 climbers at a time)

• 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road
• Welch, MN 55089
• Phone: (877) 849-1640

Guests can enjoy a unique experience cruising the beautiful Mississippi River. The 100 passenger cruise liner will take guests on a relaxing two and a half hour tour down the Mississippi while to enjoy the sights. Offering a variety of cruise and catered dining options including lunch, brunch, and dinner.

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Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Spirit of the water.

SCENIC RIVER CRUISES

Experience a relaxing cruise down the Mississippi River aboard our 100-passenger yacht, Spirit of the Water! Offering brunch, lunch and dinner cruises, you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal and panoramic views of Minnesota’s bluffs. For questions, call 1-800-222-7077 .

MOTHER’S DAY DINNER CRUISE

Sunday, may 12, 5pm-7:30pm, $60.

Make Mother’s Day memorable with salad, mashed potatoes, garlic asparagus, bruschetta chicken, slow-roasted salt-crusted carved prime rib au jus lié and chocolate and lemon cake.

BRUNCH CRUISE

Select days sundays, 11am-1:30pm, $40.

LUNCH CRUISE

Select days noon-2:30pm, $35.

Midwestern barbecue featuring pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn O’Brien and assorted cookies. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Cash bar available.

DINNER CRUISE

Select days 6pm-8:30pm, $45.

Treat yourself with the Favorites Buffet, featuring salad, oven-roasted champagne chicken, grilled flank steak with mushroom madeira sauce, roasted potatoes, chef’s choice of vegetable and assorted desserts. Cash bar available.

CRUISE POLICIES

• General admission tickets only
• No upstairs or downstairs requests
• Children under 2 years of age are not allowed
• In order to guarantee that your group can be seated together, please make sure to make just one reservation for your entire party. If members of your group make separate reservations, the activity provider cannot guarantee that you will be seated together.

Ticketholders should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure. At that time, shuttles will begin transporting attendees from the Event Center entrance to Treasure Island Marina. Boarding will begin 30 minutes prior to departure time.

All sales for weekday cruises will close at 8am on the Tuesday prior to the selected cruise and all sales for weekend cruises will close at 8am on the Thursday prior to the selected cruise.

A minimum of 25 tickets must be sold for departure. If this threshold is not met, all ticketholders will be emailed a cancellation notice and automatic refunds will be issued. For special accommodations, please contact [email protected] .

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Minneapolis & St. Paul Riverboat Cruises on the Mississippi River

Explore the Mississippi River—a cultural treasure of America! Spot bald eagles, herons, egrets, and falcons as you travel back in time from St. Paul’s bustling downtown harbor through the Mississippi National Great River Park. Come aboard our riverboat cruises to see the natural marvels Minnesota has to offer.

Featured Twin Cities Riverboat Cruises

Take a peek at these popular, limited-availability Mississippi riverboat cruises.

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Margaritas on the Mississippi

Sightseeing, Dining & More

Whether you want to simply take in the wonders of the Mississippi or enjoy a delicious meal with your family while sightseeing the colorful scenery, we have the perfect river cruise option for any occasion.

Dining Cruises

Holiday Cruises

Memorable Private Events on the Water

With a unique event venue, make your next private event a day you and your guests will talk about for years to come. Our high-capacity vessels are equipped for entertainment options, delicious menu selections, a fully stocked bar, and other necessities. We have professional event managers on staff that will help you plan unforgettable weddings, school celebrations, corporate outings, and reunions, among other private events.

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What Our Clients are Saying

“Hidden Gem! What a fun way to spend some time enjoying this beautiful area. Did the sunset dinner cruise, and oh my, the food is wonderful, the brisket is melt-in-your-mouth good. I almost ate the whole pan. Went with the drink package, worth the money! All the staff was so friendly and helpful. This is a must-do item for anyone that comes to visit. Excellent value and great memories!”

“If you’re going to ride a boat, you should definitely ride one the boats down at Padelford. They have three different boats and a ton of public cruise options. You could go on a public sightseeing, a sunset dinner, a margarita on the Mississippi, a rib dinner, a lunch & lock, the options are endless. All food is created by their Chef John Cooper, who creates all the food with love and care. They also do private events like weddings, corporate events, family reunions, and anything you can think of.”

“I had such a nice experience on my excursion! The crew was polite. The boat was clean. It’s awesome to be able to have a cocktail and snack while doing the tour. It was really nice. Thank you for a great time!”

“The service was very good, as well as the food. We had a good time.”

“It was a beautiful fall evening on the river! Our first margarita cruise with Padelford. Our new tradition. Great food and service. We enjoyed every minute. Then we bought their captain’s hats and took lots of pictures. We had a ball! Can’t wait to go back. Plus, we met new friends!”

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Padelford Riverboats 205 DR Justus Ohage Blvd. Harriet Island St. Paul, MN 55107

LOCAL: 651-227-1100

COMMEMORATING HISTORY. 

Small casino, big hospitality..

 White Oak Casino in Deer River, MN opened in August 2000. The name White Oak was chosen to commemorate the White Oak Point Band of Ojibwe who has lived in the Leech Lake area for centuries.  

This casino symbolizes the self-sufficiency and success of the Ojibwe people: The BEST Little Casino In Minnesota.

White Oak Casino may be small in size but we’ve established a reputation for being BIG on hospitality. After your first visit to White Oak Casino you’ll feel like part of the family.

The casino floor features over 300 of the newest slot machines with jackpots starting at $100,000!

White Oak Casino features two blackjack tables. (Like we said, "We’re the BEST Little Casino In Minnesota.") 

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Riverboat Cruises in Red Wing, Minnesota

River islands, bluffs, woods, prairies and river towns flank the edges of the upper Mississippi River with a nostalgic charm worth seeing from the water. Red Wing, Minnesota, known for its pottery, boots and bluffs has long served as a port of call for the great paddle boats that still wheel up the Mississippi River from New Orleans. Seasonal riverboat cruises, originating in Red Wing or nearby, offer travelers the chance to view eagles, fall foliage and modern locks and dams.

Pearl of the Lake

A replica of the original riverboats that once wheeled up and down the great Mississippi River, the Pearl of the Lake (pearlofthelake.com) is a modern vessel that offers public cruises around Lake Pepin. Known as the largest lake on the Mississippi, Lake Pepin extends 21 miles long and its shores are dotted with communities, including Red Wing. While the Pearl of the Lake cruises up to Red Wing, it originates 17 miles south in Lake City.

Rusty’s River Rides

Captain Rusty Mathiasmeier loved the Mississippi River so much he joined the Merchant Marines when he was only 14 years old and he has been travelling the river ever since. He believes the stretch of river around Red Wing to be the most beautiful, which is why he started his own sightseeing cruises, Rusty’s River Rides (rustysriverrides.com). Originating from the Red Wing Port of Call, this cruise runs mid-April through October and offers binoculars to every adult passenger. You can choose from a 90-minute or 150-minute cruise that begins and ends in Red Wing.

Spirit of the Water

Just 11 miles north of Red Wing is Treasure Island Resort and Casino, which operates the Spirit of the Water (treasureislandcasino.com). You can enjoy different dining options while cruising past Red Wing in a 120-passenger yacht, such as pizza night or a formal brunch buffet. Summer cruises start in May and end in October, and are typically offered Wednesdays through Sunday. You can enjoy the river sights while cruising in style. Most cruises last a few hours, which is plenty of time to digest your meal.

Magnolia Blossom Cruises

Originating in St. Paul, Magnolia Blossom Cruises (magnoliablossom.net) offers day-long cruises to the Red Wing area. Reminiscent of an old steamer, this vessel accommodates up to 125 people and specializes in private parties. Like the Spirit of the Water, private or public excursions are built around meals and sightseeing. Often, Magnolia Blossom Cruises offers specialty cruises with a jazz band and has a stereo system and dance floor on the upper deck.

In addition to public cruises, any of the riverboats that ply the Mississippi in the Red Wing area contract their vessels and services for charter. Charters accommodate small weddings or receptions, corporate parties or team building outings and other group excursions. A riverboat cruise can be more than a scenic affair; it can be the backdrop to business or pleasure. Like public cruises, charters are seasonally available in the Red Wing area, typically between mid-April through October. Most of the cruises can provide catering.

• Redwing: Activities
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Lake Pepin
• Pearl of the Lake: Public Excursions
• Rusty’s River Rides: Public Excursions

About the Author

Charli Mills has covered the natural food industry since 2001 as a marketing communications manager for a highly successful retail cooperative. She built teams, brands and strategies. She is a writer and editor of "This is Living Naturally," a consultant for Carrot Ranch Communications and a Master Cooperative Communicator.

Photo Credits

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On The River

We welcome all boats.

According to those who love the water, Red Wing is one of the best stops along the river. Whether you are looking to visit via your pleasure craft or planning the vacation of a lifetime on a cruise ship, the view is phenomenal all year through. Take a walk in Levee Park between July and October to find one of the many massive riverboat vessels docked for an overnight stay. These majestic boats start their journey from New Orleans and travel up the mighty Mississippi offering various stops along the way. To plan your luxury travel experience you must visit their website or call to make arrangements. 

North, just a few miles on the river (around river mile 796.9), you will find Red Wing Lock and Dam #3. It was constructed and placed in operation in July 1938 and rehabilitated from 1988 through 1991. Both commercial and pleasure crafts are welcome to lock through heading north or south. Keep in mind you must radio ahead. For the more adventurous ones, try experiencing the lock via a kayak or canoe. There’s so much more to learn about the mighty Mississippi, and we are sure you will enjoy your adventure.

Curious when the river boats will be in Red Wing?

Treasure Island Casino offers Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner cruises out on the Mississippi River!

Meet our river boat greeters.

This fabulous team of volunteers (plus 15 individuals not shown), greet people visiting Red Wing from the massive vessels that are moored at Levee wall. River boat passengers are often shuffled from their cruise ship to coach buses venturing on a guided tour. Some passengers choose to explore on foot, visiting boutiques and points of interest. Greeters provide friendly faces and resources from mid  June through the end of October.

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A Guide To The Most Iconic Riverboat Casinos In The US 

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Talk about casino destinations and you’ll most likely think of Las Vegas, Atlantic City or, if you are travelling outside the US, maybe Monaco or Macau.

Yet what are called “land based” or “bricks and mortar” casinos to differentiate them from the online versions are not necessarily on land or made of bricks and mortar.

We refer, of course, to riverboat casinos, a little slice of Americana that’s as American as Super Bowl Sunday or Thanksgiving turkey. Riverboat casinos conjure up images of the Mississippi and Mark Twain complete with white suit, top hat and cigar. There are more than 60 riverboat casinos operating in the USA and every single one of them has a story to tell. Here, we highlight a handful of the very best.

The Grand Victoria, Elgin

Our first stop is not on the Mississippi at all, but on the Fox River in Elgin, 50 miles north west of Chicago . Owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, the Grand Victoria really is a slice of Las Vegas on the Illinois waterfront.  With more than 1,000 slots and video poker terminals and 36 tables, there’s a great choice of games.

If all that gambling whets your appetite, there are four dining options on board, including the highly rated Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

Casino Queen, Marquette  

The Casino Queen would look like a lifeboat if it was moored alongside the Grand Victoria, but that is all part of its charm. It offers a more intimate and personalized experience, and although there are only eight tables, they host an intriguing variety of games that are not commonly found in land (or water) based casinos. If you know how to gamble online in the US , you’ve probably seen fusion blackjack and 21+3 at US online casinos. The Casino Queen gives you an opportunity to play them in real casino surroundings.

When you step ashore, there is an adjacent 31-acre entertainment complex with a variety of attractions and a huge choice of dining options.

The Amelia Belle, Amelia  

At last, we arrive in Louisiana, where the Amelia Belle lies nestled in the Avoca Island Cutoff waterway. This classic four-story riverboat looks like it has stepped straight out of a photograph from the turn of the 20 th century. When it is lit up at night, it takes your breath away.

At the tables, poker is the order of the day. The casino offers Mississippi stud, 3-card poker and Texas Holdem. There are also 800 slot games, while the Fanduel sportsbook has self-service betting kiosks, a wall full of television screens, and a huge video wall to show the biggest events.

Sam’s Town, Shreveport

On the opposite side of Louisiana, Sam’s Town could not be more different to the Amelia Belle. This floating leisure complex houses a hotel, health spa, sauna and live entertainment venue.

The casino offers more than 1,000 slots and 30 table games that include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Let it Ride and Craps No More.

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