Minnesota casinos are located in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” a Northern state known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a prosperous economy. Minnesota, ranked as the “Most Livable State” in the United States, has a population of over 5,000,000 people and an area of 79,610 square miles. The capital of Minnesota, St. Paul, with a population of approximately 280,000, is located adjacent to Minneapolis on the Mississippi River. The two cities are often referred to as the “Twin Cities” of Minnesota.
There are a number of Minnesota casinos scattered throughout the state, either located on Native American Tribal land or under Native American jurisdiction. Minnesota has 22 tribal-state regulations for Minnesota casinos, which allow blackjack, slots, craps, and other video gaming machines, while separate tribal agreements allow poker and bingo. The Mystic Lake Casino, in Prior Lake, is the largest in Minnesota, with 125,000 square feet, 4,000 slots, 84 table games, four restaurants, and a hotel. The Treasure Island Resort and Casino, in Welch, is another large casino, with 116,000 square feet of gambling area, 2,500 slots, 44 table games, seven restaurants, and a small hotel.
Another popular Minnesota casino is Jackpot Junction, in Morton, with 80,000 square feet, 1,650 slots, 28 table games, with blackjack and poker, as well as nine restaurants and two hotels. In addition, Minnesota casinos include the Grand Casino Hinckley, with 54,800 square feet, 2,170 slots, 47 table games, six restaurants, and four hotels; and the Grande Casino Mille Lacs, in Onamia, with 54,800 square feet, 1,885 slots, 24 table games, five restaurants, and two hotels.
Some of the smaller Minnesota casinos include the Fortune Bay Resort Casino, in Tower, with 50,000 square feet, 686 slots, and 12 table games; the Northern Lights Casino, in Walker, with 40,000 square feet, 950 slots, and 12 table games; and the Fond-du-Luth Casino, in Duluth, with 20,000 square feet, 745 slots, and four table games. The Prairie Edge Casino Resort, a smaller casino in Granite Falls, has 27,000 square feet, 660 slots, and six table games.
Minnesota casinos do not provide any revenue in the form of taxes to the state of Minnesota. There are some fees, however, that compensate the state to some extent for inspections and other items in the tribal agreements. Minnesota is rich in natural attractions, a land of “sky-tinted” waters, with an economy that might be well be enhanced with the expansion and introduction of more casinos in the future.
