Casino Near Minneapolis



So you’re in the Twin Cities, feeling lucky, and wondering where the closest action is. It’s a common situation. Minneapolis itself is a great city, but if you’re looking for a casino floor with table games, slots, and sports betting, you’re going to have to drive a bit. The city proper doesn’t have any casinos due to local ordinances, but the surrounding area is packed with excellent options run by Native American tribes. Whether you’re willing to cross the border into Wisconsin for a different vibe or want to stay on the Minnesota side, here is exactly where you should be heading.

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel: The Closest Big Action

If you’re staying in Minneapolis or St. Paul and don’t want a long road trip, Mystic Lake is your best bet. Located in Prior Lake, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis, it’s the closest major casino to the city. It’s run by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and it feels less like a roadside spot and more like a destination resort.

The gaming floor is massive—one of the largest in the region. You’re looking at over 4,000 slot machines and 100 blackjack tables. They also have a bingo hall that pulls in serious crowds. One thing to keep in mind: Mystic Lake does not currently offer craps or roulette with live dealers, as state regulations have historically restricted these games, though they do offer electronic versions. If poker is your game, they have a dedicated poker room with regular tournaments. For high rollers, the high-limit room offers a more secluded atmosphere.

Accommodations are solid. The hotel is attached, so you don’t have to step outside in the winter, and they have a golf course if you’re visiting in the summer. Dining ranges from the steakhouse steak to casual quick bites.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Drive about 40 miles southeast of Minneapolis to Welch, and you’ll hit Treasure Island. Operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community, this is a favorite for players who want a full resort experience. While it’s slightly further than Mystic Lake, many locals prefer the vibe here.

Treasure Island recently expanded its gaming floor, adding more space for slots and table games. You’ll find a dedicated poker room, plenty of blackjack options, and electronic table games. The hotel tower gives you great views of the Mississippi River Valley. The entertainment lineup is robust—they have an outdoor amphitheater that brings in big-name acts from country to rock. If you’re planning a weekend getaway rather than just a day trip, Treasure Island often feels like a more complete vacation spot.

Crossing the Border: Casinos in Wisconsin

Here is a tip many Minneapolis locals know: sometimes it’s worth the drive to Wisconsin. Just across the St. Croix River, about 30-40 minutes east of downtown, you have options like Treasure Island (MN) is close, but Wisconsin offers a different regulatory environment.

One of the biggest draws for crossing the state line is Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells or the closer St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake. Why drive to Wisconsin? In Minnesota, state compacts with tribes have historically limited games like craps and roulette. In Wisconsin, you can often find a wider variety of live table games. If you’re chasing that specific craps energy or want to bet on the wheel, the drive to Turtle Lake might be exactly what you need. St. Croix Casino offers a solid gaming floor, hotel, and dining, making it a competitive alternative to the Minnesota-based properties.

Legal Online Casinos in Minnesota

While you have great physical destinations nearby, the online landscape in Minnesota is currently restricted. You cannot legally play real-money online casino games like slots or table games on licensed sites within state lines yet. Legislation has been discussed, but for now, if you want to play for real money, you have to visit one of the tribal casinos in person.

However, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are a legal alternative available to Minnesota residents. These platforms allow you to play slots and table games using virtual currencies (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins). You can’t directly deposit money to play, but you can often redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes or gift cards once you meet certain playthrough requirements. This creates a workaround for players who want the casino experience from their couch. Popular sweepstakes casinos operate legally in MN and offer a decent library of games without violating state gambling laws.

Sports Betting Availability

If your primary interest is sports betting, the situation is a bit different. Minnesota is still working on legalizing online sports betting—legislation has stalled multiple times, caught up in negotiations over tribal exclusivity. This means you currently cannot legally bet on sports via mobile apps like FanDuel or DraftKings while physically located in Minnesota.

However, you can place sports bets at the casinos. Mystic Lake and Treasure Island both offer retail sportsbooks. It’s not as convenient as betting from your phone at a bar in Minneapolis, but if you’re making the trip to the casino anyway, you can wager on the Vikings, Twins, or Timberwolves in person. Just across the border in Iowa, mobile sports betting is fully legal, so some Minnesotans drive south to place their bets on apps.

Comparing Minneapolis Area Casinos

Casino	Distance from Minneapolis	Key Features	Table Games
Mystic Lake	~25 miles	Largest floor, attached hotel, golf	Blackjack, Poker, Bingo
Treasure Island	~40 miles	Resort vibe, amphitheater, RV park	Blackjack, Poker, Let It Ride
St. Croix (WI)	~35 miles	Live craps/roulette, hotel	Full range of tables
Grand Casino Hinckley	~60 miles	Two hotels, spa, golf course	Blackjack, Poker

Grand Casino Hinckley and Mille Lacs

If you’re willing to drive an hour or more north, the Grand Casino brand operates two locations: Hinckley and Mille Lacs. These are owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Grand Casino Hinckley is about 60 miles north of Minneapolis and offers a solid alternative if you want to get out of the city traffic.

The Hinckley property has two hotels, a spa, and a golf course. It’s a quieter, more relaxed environment compared to the high-energy bustle of Mystic Lake on a Friday night. The gaming floor is respectable with a good mix of slots and blackjack, plus a poker room. It’s a great option if you’re heading up I-35 for a cabin weekend and want to stop in.

Tips for Visiting Minneapolis Casinos

Before you jump in the car, remember a few key details. First, the legal gambling age in Minnesota casinos is 18. This differs from places like Las Vegas or Iowa where it is 21. So if you’re under 21, you can still legally play at Mystic Lake or Treasure Island.

Second, prepare for the ID check. Security is tight, and you will be carded at the door, especially if you look under 30. Third, consider the traffic. Minneapolis rush hour can extend the drive to Mystic Lake or Wisconsin casinos significantly. Plan your departure time to avoid sitting on I-35W or I-94 if you want to maximize your time on the floor. Finally, sign up for the players club card immediately upon arrival. Even if you only visit once, the points can earn you discounts on dining or hotel stays for future visits.

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