Is online gambling legal in Minnesota?

Gambling winnings are taxable income: federal withholding is 24% on wins over $5,000, and Minnesota has a graduated state income tax. The problem gambling helpline is 24/7 on 1-800-333-HOPE (4673).

Online gambling is not legal here. Playing on offshore sites can get you into legal trouble.

Online sports betting is banned in Minnesota. Online casino is banned in Minnesota. Online poker is banned in Minnesota. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Minnesota.

The minimum age on record for gambling in Minnesota is 18+.

Gambling winnings are subject to federal tax (24% withholding on wins over $5,000) and Minnesota's graduated state income tax. Uniquely, Minnesota's Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) does not permit the deduction of gambling losses from winnings.

No national licence for online gambling exists here, so a site taking deposits from players in Minnesota is not licensed locally, whatever licence it shows from elsewhere.

Prominent operators in Minnesota

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   1. Contact the Gambling Operator

   Players should first attempt to resolve any disputes directly with the management of the licensed charitable organization, racetrack, or tribal casino where the activity took place.

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   2. Escalate to the Relevant State Regulator

   If a dispute cannot be resolved, it can be escalated to the appropriate state body: the Gambling Control Board for charitable gaming, the Racing Commission for pari-mutuel wagering, or the Minnesota State Lottery. Disputes at tribal casinos are handled by the respective tribal gaming commission.

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  State-Funded Treatment Programs

  The Minnesota Department of Human Services funds treatment programs for state residents experiencing problems with gambling.

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  Dedicated Problem Gambling Helpline

  Minnesota promotes a dedicated, 24/7 helpline for problem gambling: 1-800-333-HOPE (4673). A text line is also available by texting HOPE to 53342.

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  No Statewide Self-Exclusion Program

  There is no single, statewide self-exclusion list. Players must contact individual tribal casino operators to request exclusion from their properties.

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  Minimum Legal Age of 18

  The legal age for lottery, charitable gaming, and casino entry is 18, though some venues may enforce a 21+ policy.

• Myth

  It's legal to bet on sports with offshore websites since there are no Minnesota-based options.
  Reality

  It is illegal for any operator not licensed by the state to accept wagers from Minnesota. These offshore sites offer no consumer protection, and players have no legal recourse for disputes.

• Myth

  Sweepstakes casinos are a legal way to play online slots for real money.
  Reality

  While not yet explicitly illegal, the state is actively moving to ban online sweepstakes casinos. Pending legislation (SF 4474) views them as a circumvention of state gambling laws.

• Myth

  I only have to pay taxes on my gambling winnings if I get a W-2G form.
  Reality

  All gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Minnesota and must be reported to both the IRS and the Minnesota Department of Revenue, regardless of whether a form is issued.

What the rules mean for bonus offers you see in Minnesota. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.