Online Minneapolis Poker Rooms in MN

Despite being the biggest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis doesn’t have the richest poker scene.

Its first and only gaming boom occurred in the 1980s before stagnation set in.

As a result, Mill City has but a few land-based poker venues today, most tribally owned.
 

Minneapolis’ online gaming sector isn’t doing better, either. While MN authorities have considered legalizing sports betting, launching an iGaming industry has never been on the agenda. If not for offshore poker sites, local poker players would be in a bind.

These platforms feature virtual and live games and run a roster of freeroll, progressive bounties and SNGs with up to $200K GTD prize pools. On top of that, they provide welcome bonuses as high as $3,000 and cash games with bad beat jackpots that can make you rich in no time.

If these benefits tickle your fancy, stay with us as we discuss Minny’s poker offer. Discover whether, how, and where you can play this casino classic in our guide featuring top Minneapolis poker sites.

Best Online Poker Sites in Minneapolis, MN

At first glance, the online poker scene in Minneapolis looks barren. Its home state doesn’t have laws that allow this activity in the city or offer any real-money state-licensed sites.

Nevertheless, a way out of this situation lies in offshore online casinos. They host niche poker titles you won’t find in land-based casinos, feature bonuses that reach several thousand dollars, and offer excellent UX and support.

Don’t take our word for it. Check these platforms out and see for yourself. A list of the best Minneapolis poker rooms is right below.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:

Is Online Poker Legal in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis and its home state have long had ambivalent attitudes toward gaming. The activity was rampant on the territory before and well into the 19th century. However, the Minnesota Constitution put a stop to the chaos in 1857, making all gambling illegal in the state.

The market started opening back up during the 1980s, MN’s prime gaming era. The Bread and Butter State legalized pari-mutuel betting in ‘83 and the state lottery in ‘89. It was also the first in the US to negotiate gaming compacts under the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and legalize tribal gaming.

During the next three decades, however, MN’s gaming market barely changed. Lawmakers attempted to legalize daily fantasy sports in 2017 with no luck. Sports betting bills reached the House in 2019 and 2020 but failed to gain traction. Online casino gaming, including poker, hasn’t made the discussion stage yet.

One of the main reasons these laws have never come into effect is strong opposition from the 11 tribes that currently control the majority of the gaming happening in the Gopher State. They’ve repeatedly expressed doubts about the consequences this expansion would have for the state’s “delicate gaming industry”.

As a result, Minneapolis poker players are left with two options — sweepstakes and offshore poker sites. The former operates on a free-to-play model that allows participants to enjoy modified poker games without investing real money. The latter provide traditional poker titles and tournaments and offer real cash bonuses and prizes.

If you’d like to try your luck in offshore casinos, you should be aware of Minnesota Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement’s rules. This regulatory body’s official website notes these platforms are illegal in the state, so it might be wise to consult a lawyer before signing up.

Minneapolis, MN Poker Laws

For more information about the legality of poker in Minneapolis and regulations like the one above, make sure you read the following laws:

• Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
• Minnesota Statutes — Lawful Gambling

How to Choose the Best Online Poker Room in Minneapolis

If you’re new to online gaming, chances are you’ll have trouble choosing the perfect poker room. We understand the struggle, so we’re here to help.

Our team has used their vast expertise and years of experience in the industry to create a list of criteria quality poker sites should meet. We highlight and explain each one in the sections below so that you can figure out what Minneapolis poker site is right for you.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Offshore poker sites are a preferred option for many experienced and novice players. Here are some of the reasons why these platforms have the edge over Minneapolis land-based gaming venues:

• Minneapolis is short on brick-and-mortar poker venues. It offers only two choices — a commercial racino and a tribal casino. Offshore poker platforms are more numerous and, by extension, more versatile.
• Online poker sites don’t require you to dress up and drive around the city to try your hand at poker. You can play any variant of this popular game straight from the comfort of your couch.
• Brick-and-mortar poker rooms in Minneapolis and its surroundings can receive a limited number of players and only feature basic poker variations. Their offshore counterparts, on the other hand, serve players worldwide, which means they have a higher traffic volume and a broader game selection.
• Minneapolis offshore poker platforms belong to a much larger and more competitive sector than land-based gaming venues in this city do. As a result, they invest more in promotions and bonuses to attract new and keep existing players. Depending on the site, these offers reach as much as $3,000.

Famous Poker Players From Minneapolis, MN

Although it does not have a huge poker market, Minneapolis is home to a few successful poker pros. The top of the list belongs to Lyle Berman, a veteran player who has been active since the 80s. During his career, this City of Lakes resident has earned a seat at 14 WSOP final tables, three bracelets, and over $2,5 million in cash prizes.

Minneapolis’ top player list also includes somewhat younger Mike Schneider and Jim Meehan. Schneider’s top achievement was a 2006 No-Limit Hold’em Championship event, where he landed a $1 million-worth top prize. Meehan, also known as Minneapolis, doesn’t boast as impressive of a payday but has won a bracelet and as many as six tournaments.

Best Land-Based Poker Rooms in Minneapolis

Ready to hit the felt in Mill City? Here’s a list of all Minneapolis land-based poker rooms, their addresses, and offerings.

Name	Address	Number of tables	Cash games	Tournaments
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel	2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372	N/A	Yes	Yes
Canterbury Park	1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379	14	Yes	Yes

FAQ