Minnesota Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Minnesota. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Minnesota. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in Minnesota in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
LEGALThe minimum gambling age in Minnesota is 18 for most forms of gambling including lottery and some casino games. State law permits gambling at age 18 for certain forms (lottery, bingo, pari-mutuel).
Casino Minimum Age
18+ for most gambling; 21+ at some venues
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor.
Minimum Gambling Age
18+
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALMinnesota prohibits online casino gambling and poker under Minn. Stat. § 609.75 and related statutes. The state only permits limited gambling such as charitable gambling and state lottery.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software or devices for personal use is not explicitly criminalized but facilitating or operating online gambling is illegal.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms is prohibited without state authorization.
Penalties
Violations can result in gross misdemeanor charges with fines and imprisonment up to 1 year.
Minimum Age
18+ for lottery and charitable gambling; 21+ for other gambling activities.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
ILLEGALMinnesota currently prohibits online sports betting and online casino gambling under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 240. However, limited forms of gambling such as charitable gambling and the state lottery are permitted. The state legislature has considered bills to legalize sports betting but none have passed as of 2026.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of gambling devices or software for online sports betting is illegal.
Licensed Operators
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations can result in gross misdemeanor charges with fines up to $3,000 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year.
Minimum Age
None applicable due to illegality
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Minnesota as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No recent changes to the social gambling laws.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
ILLEGALSports betting is not legal in Minnesota. Legislative efforts to legalize sports betting have been ongoing but have not yet passed.
In-Person Betting
Illegal. Minnesota has not legalized sports betting despite multiple legislative attempts. Bills have passed the state Senate but stalled in the House. The primary obstacle is disagreement over tribal exclusivity — tribal nations want exclusive rights to offer sports betting, while commercial interests push for a competitive market.
Online/Mobile Betting
No legal sportsbooks or betting apps operate in Minnesota.
Penalties
Minnesota Statute § 609.755: gambling is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days, $1,000 fine). Operating a gambling business is a gross misdemeanor or felony.
Minimum Betting Age
N/A — not legal