Best Casino In Minneapolis



So you’re looking for the best casino action in Minneapolis, but you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’re visiting for a Vikings game and want to hit the tables afterward, or perhaps you live in the Twin Cities and are tired of the same old routine. Here’s the thing about Minneapolis: you won’t find a slot machine on every street corner like you might in Vegas. Minnesota’s gaming laws are strict, funneling most brick-and-mortar action into Native American resorts and charitable gaming halls. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options—far from it. The Twin Cities area actually boasts some of the largest gaming floors in the Midwest, and if you know where to look, the experience can rival destinations anywhere else in the country.

Why Mystic Lake is the Heavyweight Champion

Let’s cut to the chase. If you ask ten locals for the best casino in Minneapolis, eight of them will point you toward Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake. It’s not just close—it’s massive. We’re talking about one of the largest gaming floors in the region, spanning over 125,000 square feet. You don’t walk in and feel cramped; you feel like you’ve entered a legitimate destination resort.

The slot selection here is the main draw. With over 4,000 machines, you’ll find everything from penny slots to high-limit rooms where $100 spins are standard. They cycle in new titles constantly, so if you’re hunting for a specific game—say, a new Wheel of Fortune variant or a high-volatility Dragon Link machine—Mystic is the most likely place to find it. But it’s the table games where the energy really picks up. Blackjack is the main event, with tables running 24/7, but you’ll also find craps, roulette, and Let It Ride. The poker room is separate, hosting daily tournaments that attract a serious crowd.

Beyond the gaming, Mystic Lake understands that players want more than just a chair at a slot machine. The hotel is attached, meaning you don’t have to drive back to the city at 2 AM. The golf course is championship caliber, and the concert venue pulls in acts that actually matter. It’s a full-package experience, and for many, that makes it the clear winner.

Treasure Island: The Closest Competition

Right down the road from Mystic Lake is Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Don’t let the proximity fool you into thinking they’re the same venue—Treasure Island, or “TI” as the locals call it, has its own distinct vibe. If Mystic is the polished, big-city resort, Treasure Island feels a bit more like a player’s casino. It’s looser, louder, and often where the action gets a little wilder.

For the sports bettor, Treasure Island was ahead of the curve. They built a sportsbook lounge that’s comfortable and well-equipped, making it a prime spot to watch the Vikings, Twins, or Wild while having money on the game. The gaming floor is smaller than Mystic’s, clocking in at about 50,000 square feet, but the layout is intuitive. You won’t get lost hunting for the cashier or the restrooms.

One area where Treasure Island really shines is its poker room. It’s widely considered one of the best in the state, with a mix of cash games and tournaments that run around the clock. If you’re a grinder looking for soft games or a tourist wanting to sit in a well-run room, this is your spot. The marina setting in the summer adds a nice touch, too—a rare feature for a Midwest casino.

Jake's 58 and Running Aces: Racinos with a Different Pace

Not every great gaming experience comes from a massive resort. Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, located just north of the cities, offers a different flavor. It’s smaller, yes, but that intimacy works in its favor. You aren’t walking miles between your hotel room and the gaming floor. The focus here is heavily on slots and electronic table games, which appeals to players who prefer a lower-pressure environment. The video blackjack and roulette stations are popular for those who want to learn the rules without a crowd watching.

On the opposite side of the metro, you’ve got Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack. This place is for the harness racing fan or the player who likes a little outdoor air with their gambling. The card club here is the main attraction, offering unbanked games like poker and blackjack where you play against other patrons, not the house. It’s a crucial distinction in Minnesota law, but for the player, it just means good action. During racing season, the energy shifts entirely—people pile onto the patio to watch the ponies run, creating an atmosphere you won’t find at Mystic or Treasure Island.

Comparing the Top Minneapolis-Area Casinos

Choosing the right spot often comes down to logistics and what kind of player you are. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the major players offer to help you decide where to book your stay or spend your weekend.

Casino	Distance from Downtown	Key Features	Min Bet (Table Games)
Mystic Lake	~30 miles SW	4,000+ slots, hotel, golf, concert venue	$10 - $15
Treasure Island	~35 miles SW	Sportsbook, 24/7 poker room, marina	$10
Jake's 58	~20 miles N	Hotel, electronic tables, quieter floor	N/A (Electronic)
Running Aces	~20 miles N	Card club, harness racing, outdoor patio	Variies (Player-banked)

The Legal Situation: What You Need to Know

It’s impossible to talk about casinos in Minneapolis without touching on the legal framework, because it shapes everything. You won’t find a downtown casino a la the Strip in Vegas or Atlantic City. State law restricts full-scale casino gaming to tribal lands, which is why the big resorts are a 30-minute drive out of the city. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it concentrates the action into massive venues that have the capital to invest in better amenities.

What you will find in the city proper are pull-tab bars and bingo halls. These are part of Minnesota’s “charitable gaming” industry. While you can win money, these aren’t casinos. You’re playing pull-tabs at a bar or watching a bingo caller, not sitting at a blackjack table. It’s a lower-stakes, lower-excitement environment, usually filled with locals killing time rather than serious gamblers looking for action. If you want the real casino experience, you have to make the drive to the tribal properties.

Online Casino Options for Minnesota Players

Since driving 30 minutes every time you want to place a bet isn’t always practical, many Minneapolis residents turn to online options. This is where things get tricky. Minnesota has not yet legalized real-money online casinos. You can’t log onto a DraftKings Casino or BetMGM app and play slots or roulette for cash while sitting in your apartment in the North Loop. The state has legalized sports betting, but the legislation for online casino gaming hasn’t crossed the finish line.

This leads players down two paths. Some cross the border into states like Michigan or New Jersey to play on legal apps, while others play on offshore sites. If you go the offshore route, know that you’re playing in a grey area. Sites like Cafe Casino or Slots.lv accept Minnesota players, but they lack the consumer protections of a state-regulated market. The payouts might be slower, and dispute resolution is largely on you. For now, if you want to stay 100% legal and play for real money, the physical casinos remain your only in-state option.

Maximizing Your Trip: Player Clubs and Promotions

If you’re planning to visit Mystic Lake or Treasure Island, signing up for the players club is non-negotiable. It’s the only way to get anything back for your play. Mystic Lake’s Club M and Treasure Island’s Island Rewards operate similarly: you insert your card into the slot machine or hand it to the dealer, and your play is tracked.

The rewards aren’t just theoretical points. Play enough, and you’ll start earning free slot play, discounts on hotel stays, and comp dollars for the restaurants. High-rollers might find themselves on the receiving end of invitations to exclusive events, like VIP dinners or meet-and-greets with artists performing at the venues. The key is consistency. If you plan to visit more than once, use the same card every time. Even small play adds up over the course of a year, and taking five minutes at the players club desk is the easiest way to stretch your bankroll.

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