Best Casino In Minneapolis



So you are looking for the best casino in Minneapolis? Here is the honest truth: you won't find a roulette wheel or craps table inside the city limits. Minnesota law restricts full-scale gambling to Native American tribal land, which means you have to leave the city for the real action. But don't worry—the drive isn't long, and the venues are worth the trip. Whether you are hunting for the closest blackjack tables, the loosest slots, or just a solid buffet comp, knowing where to go saves you time and money.

Closest Casinos to Minneapolis: Running Aces and Canterbury Park

If you want to stay as close to the city as possible, your options narrow down to two specific venues: Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Columbus, and Canterbury Park in Shakopee. They are both about 25-30 minutes from downtown, but the experience differs significantly depending on what you want to play.

Running Aces is the go-to spot for card players. It operates as a card club, meaning you will find poker tables and blackjack variants, but you won't find slot machines here. The poker room runs limit and no-limit Texas Hold’em tournaments daily, usually with buy-ins ranging from $60 to $120. The atmosphere is strictly business—no ringing slot machines, just the shuffle of cards. If you prefer strategy over luck, this is your spot.

Canterbury Park takes a different approach. It is primarily a horse racing track, but it also operates a card club similar to Running Aces. You can wager on live races during the season (typically May to September) or play electronic blackjack and poker. It lacks the full casino floor vibe, but for a summer evening of racing and cards, it is a solid local choice. Neither venue offers traditional slots or craps due to state gaming regulations.

Best Full-Service Casino: Mystic Lake and Little Six

For the full casino experience—slots, blackjack, bingo, and live entertainment—Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is the heavyweight champion of the region. Located in Prior Lake on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community land, it is about 35 minutes southwest of downtown Minneapolis. This is where you go when you want the bright lights and the sound of jackpot bells.

Mystic Lake boasts over 4,000 slot machines and 100 blackjack tables. You will find limits ranging from $3 bets on slower weekdays to $100+ minimums on weekend evenings. The slot floor is massive, featuring everything from penny slots to high-limit rooms where you can spin $100 per pull. They also offer a non-smoking section, which is a huge plus if you want to avoid the haze often found on casino floors.

Right next door is Little Six Casino, a smaller companion property. It is less overwhelming than Mystic Lake and tends to have lower table minimums. If Mystic Lake feels too crowded on a Saturday night, Little Six offers a more relaxed alternative with similar game options.

Best Casino North of the City: Grand Casino Hinckley

If you live in the northern suburbs or simply want a weekend getaway, Grand Casino Hinckley is a strong contender. Operated by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, it sits about 90 minutes north of Minneapolis. While it is a longer drive, it offers a distinct advantage: a championship golf course. Grand National Golf Club is often rated as one of the best casino courses in the Midwest.

The gaming floor is smaller than Mystic Lake but still packed with options. You have over 2,000 slots, blackjack, and pull-tab bingo. The hotel is well-maintained, and the Grand Market Buffet gets consistent praise for variety. If you want to combine a round of golf with a night of gambling, this beats the closer suburban options.

Comparing Top Minneapolis Area Casinos

Not sure which direction to head? Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect at the major venues.

Casino	Distance from Downtown	Key Features	Min Bet (Tables)
Mystic Lake	35 mins SW	4,000+ slots, 24/7 gaming, large hotel	$3 - $25+
Running Aces	25 mins N	Poker focus, horse racing, no slots	$2 - $10
Canterbury Park	30 mins SW	Live racing, card club, simulcast	$3 - $15
Grand Casino Hinckley	90 mins N	Golf course, hotel, 2,000+ slots	$3 - $25

Players Club and Comps: Getting Value

If you plan on playing more than once a year, signing up for the players club is non-negotiable. At Mystic Lake, the M Card tracks your play. The system is straightforward: you earn points based on your time and average bet at table games, or coin-in on slots. Points translate to dining credits, hotel stays, and gas discounts. High-tier players can earn free nights and exclusive event invites.

One thing to watch: table game ratings can be stingy if the pit boss isn't watching closely. Always check your rating before leaving the table. If they recorded your average bet as $15 when it was actually $25, you are leaving money on the table. For slots, the earning rate is generally 1 point per $4 played, though this fluctuates based on the machine denomination.

Dining and Entertainment Options

Let's be honest—you aren't going to Mystic Lake just for the gambling. The venue is a full resort. The Mystic Lake Center recently expanded the hotel, adding modern rooms and a massive event center that hosts acts like KISS and Toby Keith. If you want a weekend trip that includes a concert and steak dinner, this is the best option in the metro area.

The Promenade offers a casual food court experience, while the Mystic Steakhouse provides a higher-end sit-down meal. Expect to pay $40-$60 per person for dinner, but players club comps can cover it if you have put in enough hours on the floor. Running Aces, in contrast, focuses on a sports bar atmosphere. The Route 65 Kitchen & Bar offers decent burgers and sandwiches, but it isn't a destination dining spot.

Planning Your Trip: Logistics and Tips

Most Minneapolis casinos are open 24 hours on weekends, but weekdays can differ. Mystic Lake runs 24/7, while Running Aces typically closes for a few hours in the early morning. Always check the schedule before you drive out. Parking is almost always free and close to the entrance, unlike Las Vegas where you might walk half a mile.

For table games, the best time to play is usually mid-week. You will find $3 or $5 blackjack minimums on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Friday and Saturday nights, those same tables jump to $15 or $25 minimums. If you are on a budget, timing matters. Also, keep in mind that Minnesota casinos are exempt from the state smoking ban, so the floor can get smoky. Mystic Lake has non-smoking sections, but they are smaller and fill up fast.

FAQ