Minnesota Online Gambling
Legal Minnesota online gambling options are limited.
Online horse racing betting (advance deposit wagering) is the one exception in a state that’s largely restrictive. Most forms of online gambling are either prohibited or unregulated in Minnesota, but residents do have access to a handful of similar alternatives.
For example, state law prohibits online casinos and poker sites outright. However, sweepstakes casinos and poker sites are widely accessible despite state authorities frowning on both activities.
Similar options exist for daily fantasy sports contests and online lottery sales in Minnesota.
Read on for a complete Minnesota online gambling guide. Below, we explain what is and isn’t allowed, discuss recent legal developments, and cover the key points players need to know before gambling online in Minnesota.
Legal Minnesota Gambling Sites
21+ and present in MN. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
Minnesota Online Gambling Overview
| Type of Gambling (minimum age) | Legal Status | Notes |
| Online Casinos (n/a) | Illegal | Prohibited under MN Stat § 609.76 |
| Sweepstakes Casinos (18+) | Contested | Operators claim legality under sweepstakes law; MN authorities deem them illegal |
| Online Poker (n/a) | Illegal | Treated as unauthorized gambling under MN Stat § 609.75 |
| Online Sports Betting (n/a) | Illegal | Prohibited under the same statutes as online casinos |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (18+) | Legal/Unregulated | State law does not address DFS; unregulated but generally tolerated |
| Fantasy Pick’em Contests (18+) | Legal/Unregulated | Treated the same as traditional DFS contests |
| Online Lottery Sales (18+) | Legal/Unregulated | MN Lottery does not offer online sales; third-party couriers are available |
| Online Horse Racing (18+) | Legal/Regulated | Authorized under MN Stat § 240.131 |
Minnesota Online Casinos
Online casinos are illegal in Minnesota.
State law broadly prohibits operating or participating in unlicensed gambling activities, including real-money online casinos.
MN Stat § 609.755 makes it a misdemeanor for an individual to place a bet on an unauthorized game, although there are no records of authorities targeting individual players.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has explicitly confirmed that this statute applies to online casinos and that it is illegal for both operators to offer these games to Minnesotans and for residents to play them.
Sweepstakes casinos (see below) serve as a viable alternative in Minnesota, although their legality is questionable. State regulators contend that sweepstakes casinos are illegal but lack the authority to force them out.
There is currently no legislative momentum to authorize online casinos in Minnesota. The legislature’s focus remains on the debate over sports betting, and the complexities of that issue make the consideration of online casino legalization a distant prospect.
Sweepstakes Casinos in Minnesota
The legality of sweepstakes casinos is contested in Minnesota.
Here’s the three-point overview of the current legal situation and status of Minnesota sweepstakes casinos:
- Sweepstakes casinos are widely available in Minnesota
- Minnesota authorities deem sweepstakes casinos illegal due to their resemblance to unauthorized online gambling
- Sweepstakes casinos comply with Minnesota law, and authorities have not succeeded in ordering operators to cease and desist
Despite the legal uncertainty, most major sweepstakes casinos accept Minnesota residents, including:
Why Sweepstakes Casinos Contend They’re Legal
Sweepstakes casinos operate openly in Minnesota by providing mechanisms for players to participate and potentially win prizes, with “no purchase necessary.”
Operators contend that the “no purchase necessary” business model adheres to Minnesota’s prize promotion law (MN Stat § 325F.755). By providing a free method to obtain “Sweeps Coins,” operators argue that they have removed the element of consideration (risking something of value), which is a necessary component in the state’s legal definition of “gambling.”
As such, sweepstakes casino operators contend that their games are legal promotional sweepstakes rather than illegal online gambling under Minnesota law.
Minnesota Authorities Disagree
Minnesota’s law enforcement authorities consider sweepstakes casinos to be illegal online gambling under another name.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued public warnings stating that online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, deceptive, and operate outside of US law.
In an August 2025 notice that explicitly mentioned sweepstakes casinos, the DPS stated:
That means anyone gambling on these sites is not only breaking the law but also taking a big risk with their money. Our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) team wants you to know that while many of them look like legitimate, regulated platforms — they’re not. These companies have not been vetted in the United States, let alone the state of Minnesota.
Current Status of Sweepstakes Casinos in Minnesota
Sweepstakes casinos are easily accessible but operate in a contentious legal environment in Minnesota.
Although authorities have stated that it’s illegal to both operate and patronize sweepstakes casinos, there are no indications that the state has meaningfully impacted sweepstakes casinos or targeted players for using them.
Minnesota regulators face an uphill battle in turning their point of view into effective enforcement because:
- There is genuine legal ambiguity under Minnesota law: if sweepstakes casinos allow players to participate with no purchase necessary, are these platforms truly breaking the law, even if they offer various casino-style games that mimic online blackjack and real-money slots?
- The legislature has not passed legislation to clarify the legal status of sweepstakes casinos in Minnesota.
- Due to the lack of specific state statutes and no clear court precedent, authorities struggle to name the exact legal violations that would give cease-and-desist orders teeth.
In summary: Players should proceed with caution. Minnesota authorities have plainly stated their opinion, and they will act if possible. Future enforcement actions would likely target operators rather than residents, but players should remain vigilant for legal developments because the risk is nonzero.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed in Minnesota
A class action lawsuit filed against Stake.us in Minnesota federal court may provide additional legal clarity.
A former customer filed the lawsuit in August 2025, accusing Stake.us of violating Minnesota law and profiting from the user’s tragic descent into gambling addiction.
The specifics of the case paint sweepstakes casinos in a highly negative light, but they should also serve as a reminder to players:
- Always gamble responsibly.
- Never forget that unregulated online gambling platforms are not subject to the stringent responsible gambling regulations that govern licensed operators.
Minnesota Online Poker
Online poker is illegal in Minnesota.
Real money online poker sites fall under the same broad prohibitions against unlicensed gambling as online casinos, as defined in MN Stat § 609.755. The law makes no distinction between casino games and online poker, despite the latter’s significant skill element.
There have been no significant legislative efforts to legalize and regulate online poker in Minnesota. Unlike sports betting, which is a subject of active and ongoing debate, online poker is not a legislative priority.
Any future efforts to authorize poker sites in Minnesota would most likely be included as part of a larger bill to legalize online casinos, a measure that currently lacks political support.
The available alternatives for poker players in Minnesota are limited. Sweepstakes poker sites, which operate under the same contested legal framework as sweepstakes casinos, are accessible but limited in number.
Minnesota Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting is illegal in Minnesota.
State law criminalizes online sportsbooks, with MN Stat § 609.76 making it a felony to operate a sports betting enterprise, and MN Stat § 609.755 making it a misdemeanor to place wagers.
However, the legalization of sports betting has been a topic of debate in the Minnesota legislature for several years.
Since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills to authorize retail sportsbooks and sports betting apps in Minnesota.
Early legislative efforts faced opposition from the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA), the trade group representing the state’s gaming tribes. However, MIGA has since shifted to a position of support, provided it is granted exclusive control over the market.
Tribal exclusivity, tax rates, and the role of racetracks remain the central conflicts preventing legalization. Racetracks have lobbied to be included as licensed operators, while MIGA has maintained that exclusivity is non-negotiable.
Legalization Outlook
The legalization outlook remains uncertain. There is a broad consensus on the idea of legalizing sports betting in Minnesota, but the conflict between tribal and racetrack interests remains a formidable obstacle.
Should a bill eventually pass, the regulatory framework would likely grant licenses to the 11 tribal nations, set a minimum participation age of 21, and assign oversight to a state agency such as the Department of Public Safety. Proposed tax rates have varied widely in different bills, from 10-20% to as high as 40%.
Minnesota Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports contests are legal but unregulated in Minnesota.
Minnesota law does not address daily fantasy sports contests, neither authorizing nor prohibiting them. As a result, fantasy sports apps operate without state oversight or licensing requirements in Minnesota.
Officially, the state tolerates daily fantasy sports contests based on federal law. In 2016, a Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) spokesman stated that the DPS follows the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006 (UIGEA), which contains a carveout for fantasy sports by classifying them as games of skill rather than chance.
All major national DFS operators are available in Minnesota, including industry leaders FanDuel and DraftKings. Fantasy sports operators set their own minimum age for participation, which is typically 18 years or older.
Several of the sports betting bills introduced in recent years have included provisions to formally legalize, regulate, and tax DFS contests. However, because these provisions have been tied to the broader sports betting legislation, they have failed to advance due to the ongoing political deadlock.
Pick’em Contests in Minnesota
Fantasy pick’em contests are legal but unregulated in Minnesota.
Regulators in some states have cracked down on fantasy pick’em contests, which involve predicting whether athletes’ performances will be “more” or “less” than projected stat totals (e.g., passing yards and strikeouts), due to their resemblance to sports betting.
In contrast, Minnesota authorities have not taken any action against fantasy pick’em apps. Consequently, all prominent fantasy pick’em operators are active in Minnesota. Some of the most well-known fantasy pick’em apps in Minnesota include:
Minnesota Online Lottery Sales
Online lottery sales are legal in Minnesota via third-party lottery couriers.
The Minnesota Lottery does not offer online ticket sales or instant win games. However, the Minnesota Lottery tolerates third-party courier apps to purchase tickets on behalf of customers located within state lines.
In a 2024 post, the Minnesota Lottery outlined its approach toward lottery courier services. The MN Lottery explained that although it is not affiliated with lottery couriers and does not regulate them, it does work with them to encourage industry best practices regarding:
- The protection of customers’ private information
- The verification of every user’s age and residency
- The promotion of responsible gambling
That’s a commendable approach, but it does not offer any guarantees of legitimacy or provide recourse should a Minnesota customer have a dispute with a lottery courier regarding the payment of a large prize.
Therefore, players should only use reputable couriers to buy lottery tickets online, preferably those licensed in the handful of states that regulate courier services.
Fortunately, several established brands licensed in other states serve the Minnesota online lottery market:
- Jackpocket Lottery App
- TheLotter App
- Lotto.com App
Through these apps, users can play Mega Millions online, buy Powerball tickets, and participate in Minnesota’s various state-level drawings.
Online Horse Racing Betting in Minnesota
Online horse racing betting is legal and regulated in Minnesota.
The Minnesota legislature legalized advance deposit wagering in 2016 to support the local horse racing industry, with a percentage of ADW revenue earmarked to support race purses, tracks, and breeding programs.
Under MN Stat § 240.131, all advance deposit wagering platforms (ADWs) must apply for licenses and receive approval before offering online horse racing betting in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) regulates pari-mutuel wagering, and one of its key duties is to ensure licensed ADWs comply with all applicable consumer protection regulations.
Key regulations for bettors are straightforward: participants must be 18 or older to open accounts and place wagers. After opening accounts, users may fund them with cash, checks, money orders, bank transfers, credit cards, and debit cards.
Minnesota Gambling Regulators
- Minnesota Gambling Control Board (GCB): The GCB primarily regulates charitable gambling conducted by licensed nonprofit organizations. Its responsibilities include issuing licenses and overseeing authorized games.
- Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC): The MRC has sole authority over all pari-mutuel horse racing in the state. Its duties include issuing licenses, overseeing live race meets, and regulating advance deposit wagering platforms that serve Minnesota customers.
- Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGE): The AGE operates under the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and serves as the primary law enforcement agency for gambling-related matters. It investigates illegal gambling operations and enforces the state’s criminal gambling statutes.
- Minnesota State Lottery: The MN Lottery operates all state lottery games, oversees authorized retailers, ensures the lottery’s security and integrity, and distributes revenue.
Minnesota Responsible Gambling Resources
Minnesota funds treatment and supports a 24/7 helpline. Tribal and commercial operators also offer onsite assistance and self‑exclusion.
Unfortunately, Minnesota lacks a statewide self-exclusion program that covers all online gambling platforms and casinos. Anyone seeking to ban themselves from in-person or online gambling in Minnesota must enroll in each operator’s independent self-exclusion program.
Fortunately, Minnesota provides an excellent array of problem gambling resources, including treatment options, financial support services, debt counseling, educational information, and help for problem gamblers’ loved ones.
Minnesota Self‑Exclusion Resources
- Tribal casinos: Property‑level self‑exclusion programs (contact casino security or player services).
- Racetracks/card clubs: Property‑level self‑exclusion and responsible‑gaming policies.
- Online gambling platforms: Account‑level limits, timeouts, and self‑exclusion options in settings.
Minnesota Responsible Gambling Organizations
- Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG): The state’s leading nonprofit advocate for problem gambling awareness, education, and prevention. It provides resources for the public and professionals and is neutral on the issue of legal gambling. Call the helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE (4673), text “HOPE” to 53342, or chat online.
- GetGamblingHelp.com: The official portal for the problem gambling program funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. It offers access to state-funded treatment providers, assessments, and educational materials.
- Gamblers Anonymous MN: A fellowship for in-person meetings where problem gamblers can support each other’s efforts to overcome gambling addiction. Call the Minnesota helpline at 1-855-222-5542.
- Gam-Anon MN: Support for family members and loved ones of problem gamblers. Call 1-888-435-7166.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS): Treatment funding, problem gambling resources, and provider information.
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): National helpline and resources. Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or chat online.
- LSS Financial Counseling: In partnership with MNAPG, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota offers up to six free, confidential financial counseling sessions for individuals and families whose finances have been negatively impacted by gambling.