Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Minnesota Sports Betting
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: December 14, 2023
While most gambling forms are very welcome, Minnesota is a state that is currently in the trenches when it comes to land-based sports betting. However, as the years go by, Minnesota sports betting in a brick-and-mortar establishment is gaining more traction among legislators who might get it approved soon.
Check All Online Sportsbooks in Minnesota
Minnesota Sportsbooks
Sports & Betting Options
MN Betting Laws
How to Bet on Sports
FAQ
Check All Online Sportsbooks in Minnesota
Full List and Map of Minnesota Sports Betting Locations
The Land of 10,000 Lakes does not have any physical sports betting locations because the state's lawmakers have not been able to reach a consensus concerning allowing residents to wager on their favorite sporting events at a land-based betting structure. However, there is no law preventing Minnesotans from engaging in sports betting online or off-track betting in the state.
The Best Minnesota Sportsbooks
| Name | Type | Website | Full Address | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canterbury Park | Off-Track, Racetrack | www.canterburypark.com | 1100 Canterbury Road South, Shakopee, MN 55379 | Read Review |
| Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack | Off-Track, Racetrack | www.runaces.com | 15201 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN 55025 | Read Review |
Betting Locations By Type
The Gopher State actually likes to see itself as a pro-gambling state as its legislation allows for social gambling, charitable gambling, pari-mutuel horse betting, raffles, bingo, pull-tabs, and tribal games. There are 22 casinos in the state that are run by Native American tribes of Minnesota.
Asides the tribal casinos in Minnesota, the State of 10,000 Lakes has two gambling locations that are sponsored by the state government. These gaming houses are a hybrid of a casino and a race track – so you can call them racinos. Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack offer your typical entertainment, accommodation, and restaurants.
Casino Resorts
There are many beautiful casino resorts that you can visit while you're in Minnesota. Asides from offering enjoyable casino games, they offer everything from live music, swimming pools, to rejuvenating spas, and more. There are 14 casino resorts in total in Minnesota, but none of them offers sports betting.
The good thing about casino resorts is that you can always spend many nights at the betting premises without having to bother about looking for a place to sleep – there are usually rooms and suites within the facility where you can rest before hitting the slot machines or the card tables another time. To visit any of these casino resorts to bet in Minnesota, you must be at least 18 years old.
Racetracks
The State of 10,000 Lakes also offers two places where you can watch horses race and bet on them asides from its regular casinos. Interestingly, these race tracks also have a casino on their grounds, so you can technically refer to them as racinos. We are referring to none other than Canterbury Park in Minneapolis, MN, and Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Columbus, MN.
Betting on the horses is legal in the state of MN, but you must ensure you are over the age of 18 before you visit the race track to place bets so that you won't be on the wrong side of the law.
| Racetracks | Types of Racing | Review link |
|---|---|---|
| Canterbury Park |
Horse Racing
|
Read ReviewSoon |
| Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack |
Harness Horse Racing
|
Read Review |
Off-Track Betting
One thing that you should take note of about the horse race tracks in the Gopher State is that they both serve as off-track betting centers asides from the traditional role they play in providing a track for racing horses to compete.
This means that while you are physically present betting on the horses live at Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Columbus, MN, you can as well bet off-track on an ongoing race event at Canterbury Park in Minneapolis, MN, or any other horse racing event within and outside the US. And same applies to being present in-person at Canterbury Park.
Cruise Ships and Riverboats
While Minnesota contains more than ten thousand lakes, as is evident in the state's nickname – the State of 10,000 Lakes – Minnesota doesn't have any River Boats where casino games can be played or where sports can be wagered on. Since Minnesota isn't close to any ocean, you can't really expect to find a cruise ship in the state, or can you? No? We thought so too.
Probably in the nearest future, there can be casino-carrying riverboats small enough to sail the lakes of Minnesota. These riverboats will offer a new dimension to the gambling experience in the State of 10,000 Lakes.
List of Legal Land-Based Sportsbooks in Minnesota
Since 2018 that the PASPA act was repealed, some lawmakers have been fighting to ensure that Minnesota becomes a sports betting location like many other states in the United States of America. As of this present moment, you won't find any Minnesota sportsbooks if you visit the Gopher State.
Although, things are beginning to look promising as more legislators are beginning to be open to the prospect of sports betting generating some form of income for the state. For now, lawmakers want to see how sports betting will favor the economics of other receptive states before they join the bandwagon. However, you can wager on horse and harness racings at the two available racetracks.
Search for Sportsbooks in Minnesota
| Casino Name: | Address: | Secure Link: | City: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shakopee | |||
| Canterbury Park | 1100 Canterbury Road South, Shakopee, MN 55379 | ||
| Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack | 15201 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN 55025 | ||
Minnesota Sports Gambling - All Leagues and Bet Types
Since sports betting isn't yet approved, we can only hope that the sun will shine on wagering on the games very soon in Minnesota. While there are no physical Minnesota sports betting locations that you can visit to place action on football, basketball, soccer, golf, and more, you can instead take advantage of online sports gambling that is not against the law in the state.
On these offshore sites, you can place action on the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and more. However, since land-based sports betting isn't allowed, you can't legally wager on the aforementioned leagues in any facility.
- Horses and Dogs
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- Thoroughbred
- Harness racing
Bet Types: - Off-Track (Simulcast) Betting
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The State Law Allows Off-Track Betting
Where Can I Check the Current Betting Odds and Lines?
If you want to check out where you can find betting odds and lines, we would advise you to do short research about any upcoming sporting events. For horse racing events, you can visit the race tracks in person or check the websites of both brands.
But remember that you can't find any physical location for legal sports betting in Minnesota, so don't expect to actually find a brick-and-mortar establishment where you can get odds. However, since online sports betting isn't illegal in the state, you can check those legal offshore sites for odds as well as other websites that provide odds.
Legal Sports Betting in Minnesota
Are sports betting legal in Minnesota? This is one question that has been asked time and time again. The repealing of PASPA paved the way for sports gambling in many American states. However, some states like Minnesota still don't favor wagering on the games within their borders.
On the flip side, though, the state doesn't have any laws that prohibit wagering on your fave sporting events or athletes online, so you can very well engage in sports betting over the internet when you are in Minnesota. In the table below, we have listed the main information on the legal status of sports betting in the State of 10,000 Lakes.
Is sports betting legal in Minnesota?
Currently, in the state of Minnesota, sports betting in a physical establishment is not legal. Hopefully, in the nearest future, betting on sporting events will become legalized.
Legal age for sports betting?
The legal age for betting on your fave sports games in the state of 10,000 Lakes is 18 years. At this age, you can be legally admitted to betting on the horses.
Can you bet online in Minnesota?
There is no particular law that prohibits visitors or residents of the Gopher State from placing bets online. So, you are free to bet on legal offshore sites that offer sports wagering.
Is fantasy sports betting allowed?
Yes, you can enjoy daily fantasy sports in the state. Minnesota had even tried to regulate the DFS industry, but it was an unsuccessful attempt. However, DFS is still allowed.
Is off-track betting allowed?
Yes, you can bet on horses off the tracks at the two race tracks in the state. Asides from offering live horse races, the two locations allow you to bet on races all over the world.
Are there any restrictions?
The restrictions that are placed in the state on betting majorly center on sports betting. So, asides from horse racing, you cannot bet on other sports like boxing, golf, and the rest.
Who regulates MN sports betting?
Since sports betting is not yet legalized in the state, the legislators have not created a regulatory body that will be in charge of all things sports wagering in Minnesota.
History of Sports Betting in Minnesota
While some lawmakers are pushing for the state to include sports betting in their gambling entertainment offerings, some are not. However, as the years go by, more and more lawmakers are becoming open to the prospect of accepting legalized and regulated sports betting in the State of 10,000 Lakes.
The major forces behind the stalling of sports betting in the state of Minnesota are the Indian tribes. The tribes are of the opinion that if there are legal Minnesota sports betting locations in the state, it might have a negative impact on the gaming industry of the Gopher State.
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | The Birth of Minnesota Gambling | The State of 10,000 Lakes, for the first time, allowed any form of gambling to be played within its territories. The only form of gambling that was permitted at that time was a limited form of charitable betting, which included bingo. |
| 1983 | Pari-Mutuel Wagering Born | Pari-mutuel gambling was legalized after voters approved a constitutional amendment. Pari-mutuel betting in the state is to this day controlled by the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 240. |
| 1988 | The Year of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act | Throughout the US, including MN, many tribal casinos were opened as a result of the passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This then brought about the creation of the first casino in the state – Jackpot Junction. It was previously operating as a bingo hall until the act was passed. |
| 1989 | Beginning of State Lottery | This was the year the MN state lottery was officially created, and residents and visitors could legally participate in a state-owned lottery game. |
How to Bet on Sports in Minnesota
Until the Indian tribes can be convinced that creating legal Minnesota sports gambling locations in the state will not negatively impact Minnesota's gambling industry, it might be quite difficult to see a brick and mortar establishment where you can bet on sports like mixed martial arts, boxing, golf, baseball, hockey, and so on.
The only way you can bet on such sports is by visiting offshore betting websites. But do ensure that the offshore site you are placing bets through is a legal one. So far, wagering on horse and harness races are your legal options.
General Rules
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Place your wagers prior to the start of the race. The track name, race number, wager amount, horse’s number are displayed at the Pari-Mutuel window.
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“Up to the sound of the bell”, you can place simple wagers or most exotic wagers.
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At Pari-mutuel wagering, you win or lose money from other players, as the term means “Among Ourselves”.
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Odds are set by the amount of money wagered on each horse in a specific race.
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Winning Tickets –the period of cashing a win depends on the terms and conditions of the racetrack.
Are Exchanges and Pari-Mutuel Betting Available in Minnesota?
Pari-mutuel gambling was legalized in the year 1983 after voters approved a constitutional amendment. Pari-mutuel betting in the State of 10,000 Lakes is still governed by the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 240 to this day. You will be able to play pari-mutuel betting at two physical locations in the state.
As far as Minnesota laws are concerned, pari-mutuel betting on horse races is the only form of sports bets recognized, so because of this, you might not find anywhere to bet exchanges in the state of Minnesota. Pari-mutuel wagering is quite fun and you will definitely enjoy playing it in Minnesota.
Taxation of Winnings
Expect to be taxed by the federal government as well as the state government if you make any winnings while gambling on the different wagering offerings in Minnesota State. According to federal laws, you are required to pay a tax of 24% on every win that exceeds the limit for particular game types.
The 24% tax rate also applies to winnings that are 300 times the wager size or more. For state taxation, the amount of tax you would pay depends on the amount you win as well as whether or not you are a resident of the Gopher State.
Federal Law:
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$600 or more - the payor is obliged to provide you with a W-2G form
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24% tax on winnings that are 300x or more than the stake
Additional State Rules:
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All winnings are taxed for residents
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All winnings over $12,000 are taxed for non-residents
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% Tax varies per winning size
To learn more about the topic, please visit our thorough guide on gambling taxation in the United States, located on our homepage.
About Minnesota
The North Star State is located in the upper Midwest area of North Central US, and part of the state is along the US-Canada border. Minnesota is the 22nd most populous state in the US as well as the 12th largest in area. The state is popular for its lakes and forests, hence its famous nickname – the State of 10,000 Lakes.
The Gopher State is home to the largest mall in all of the United States of America – The Mall of America. This mall is located in Bloomington, MN. Minnesota is quite known in the United States as a pro-gambling state.
| Capital | Saint Paul |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Minneapolis |
| Population | 5,709,752 |
| Area | 86,935.83 sq mi |
| Time zone | UTC-06:00 (Central) |
| State Nickname(s) | Land of 10,000 Lakes; Gopher State; North Star State |
| Motto | L'Étoile du Nord (French: The Star of the North) |
| Teams | Sport | League |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | Football | National Football League (NFL) |
| Minnesota Golden Gophers | Football | National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Basketball | National Basketball Association (NBA) |
| Minnesota Twins | Baseball | Major League Baseball (MLB) |
| Minnesota Wild | Ice Hockey | National Hockey League (NHL) |
Helping Hand for Gamblers in Minnesota
The Department of Human Services in the state of MN is responsible for dealing with problem gambling issues. It is a state-funded organization that pays for inpatient as well as outpatient problem gambling treatment for are qualified to get help, among other ways for helping problem gamblers. This is the most popular form of help regarding problem gambling in MN.
Help for Compulsive Gambling in Minnesota
- Hotlines Department of Human Services – 800-333-HOPE
- Help centers Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance – 1935 West County Road B2, #420 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-424-8595 Website GetGamblingHelp.com
Sports Betting Lawyers in Minnesota
- Brown Law Offices Phone: (763) 323-6555Website www.brownlawoffices.com Email www.brownlawoffices.com
FAQ
Can you bet on sports in Minnesota?
Currently, you cannot wager on sports like football, soccer, basketball, golf, and more in the Gopher State if you visit a brick and mortar establishment. The only way you can enjoy sports betting in Minnesota is by visiting legal offshore sports betting websites.
Is sports betting legal in Minnesota?
The sports betting's legal status in Minnesota is negative. This means that it is illegal to bet on sports at any physical location in the state. The only alternative to enjoying Minnesota sports betting is by wagering online at legal offshore sites or Pari-mutuel wagering.
Who can apply for a Minnesota sports betting license?
Because the sports betting's legal status in Minnesota is still negative, meaning it is currently illegal to bet on sports at any physical establishment in the state, the legislators have not yet provided the criteria for applying for a sports betting license.
How much revenue does sports betting generate in Minnesota?
Minnesota sports betting is currently illegal and therefore unregulated. This means that the state is not yet receiving any revenue from sports betting because there is no particular law governing taxation of winnings in Minnesota as far as sports like football, soccer, basketball, and the likes are concerned.
How many sportsbooks are in Minnesota?
There are two racinos and no other sportsbook brands in Minnesota State. This is because the law still frowns against sports wagering within state borders. In the nearest future, we might hopefully start seeing big sports book brands in the State of 10,000 Lakes.
What is the minimum age to place sports bets in Minnesota?
For other gambling entertainment offerings, the minimum age to wager in Minnesota is 18. Only in places that offer alcoholic drinks will the minimum age be upped to 21. Since online sports betting doesn't require alcoholic drinks, you can bet online once you're 18. This is the current sports betting's legal status in Minnesota.
Is there online sports betting in Minnesota?
Yes, there is online sports betting in Minnesota. Although the current sports betting's legal status in Minnesota doesn't allow betting on sports in a physical location, you can bet online on football, soccer, boxing, mixed martial arts, car racing, basketball, baseball, volleyball, cycling, and more.
How much does Minnesota make on sports betting?
Minnesota sports wagering is not yet legal, and therefore it is unregulated. This means that Minnesota is not yet making any money from sports betting because there is no actual law governing taxation of winnings in Minnesota as far as sports like boxing, volleyball, hockey, and the likes are concerned.
What are the best sportsbooks in Minnesota?
There are no physical sportsbooks except racinos in the State of 10,000 Lakes. However, since online sports betting can be accessed, some of the best-sportsbooks in Minnesota online include Bet Online, My Bookie, Bovada, Sports Betting, Book Maker, and X Bet. You can also visit one of the racetracks available and place your wagers on your preferred pony.
What is the biggest sportsbook in Minnesota?
Currently, there is no brick and mortar sports book in the North Star State. But since online sports gambling is accessible, you can bet online on your favorite teams and athletes. However, the top racetracks in Minnesota are Canterbury Park and Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, where you can watch and wager.