Find casinos near Minneapolis, MN. This guide covers major gaming destinations like Mystic Lake and Treasure Island, detailing their slots, table games, poker rooms, and hotels.

Premier Casino Resorts and Gaming Hotspots in the Minneapolis Area

For the most extensive gaming floor near the City of Lakes, select Mystic Lake in Prior Lake. This massive entertainment complex, operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, is located 25 miles southwest of the downtown core and features over 4,000 slot machines and approximately 100 blackjack tables. Its poker room is one of the largest in the state, regularly hosting major tournaments and offering a wide range of buy-ins.

If variety and a resort setting are your primary interests, consider Treasure Island Resort & Gambling Hall. Positioned an hour's drive southeast in Welch and run by the Prairie Island Indian Community, this venue provides a different atmosphere along the Mississippi River. It offers more than 2,200 slot machines, a dedicated high-stakes area, and a 550-seat bingo hall. The facility also includes a marina and a 100-passenger cruise ship, adding unique non-gaming activities to your visit.

A smaller, more accessible option is Little Six, located just down the road from its larger sister property, Mystic Lake. This spot focuses purely on the gaming experience, with hundreds of slot machines and a handful of blackjack tables. It operates 24/7 and serves as a direct alternative for those who prefer a less crowded environment without the extensive amenities of a full-scale resort.

A Practical Guide to Minneapolis Area Casinos

For the largest gaming floor and greatest variety of slot machines, the destination in Prior Lake, 25 miles southwest of the city center, is your target. This Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community property features over 4,000 slot machines, nearly 100 blackjack tables, and a separate high-limit area. A cosmetic-free bingo hall with seating for 600 operates on specific schedules. Free shuttle buses run regularly from the Mall of America and other regional hubs.

If a riverside setting and family-oriented amenities are preferred, travel 44 miles southeast to the establishment near Red Wing. Operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community, this resort offers over 1,800 machines, numerous table games, and a dedicated poker room. Non-gaming attractions include The Lagoon indoor water park, a 24-lane bowling center, and a marina on the Mississippi River. Its outdoor amphitheater hosts major musical acts during warmer months.

For an experience focused purely on card games and horse racing, two locations offer this specific combination. In Shakopee, Canterbury Park operates a 24/7 card room with poker and table games adjacent to its thoroughbred racetrack. In Columbus, 30 miles north of the urban core, Running Aces offers a similar model with a focus on harness racing and an extensive schedule of poker tournaments. Neither of these venues contains slot machines.

Entry to the gaming floors at all area entertainment complexes is restricted to individuals 18 years or older. A valid state or federal photo ID is required for age verification and to process large payouts. Joining the players' club at each venue is complimentary and provides immediate access to any available promotions or discounts on dining and lodging.

Navigating Shuttle Routes From The Twin Cities to Mystic Lake

Verify all routes and schedules directly on the Mystic Lake website or by calling their transit line at 952-445-6978 before your trip. Schedules adjust based on season and demand. Free shuttle service is available for Club M members, while non-members pay a round-trip fee, collected in cash upon boarding.

Major pickup hubs include the Mall of America Transit Station, Saint Paul's Union Depot, and several park-and-ride locations in suburbs like Burnsville and Apple Valley. The Mall of America stop, located at the north entrance, offers the most frequent service, with departures every 60-90 minutes during peak hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The Saint Paul route often runs three times daily.

The round-trip fare for non-card holders is approximately $5. To ride without https://bet-at-homecasino.de , present your valid Club M card to the driver. All riders must be at least 18 years old to board the shuttle, and a valid photo ID is required. Luggage is restricted to one small carry-on item per person; larger bags are not permitted.

Arrive at your pickup point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure, as buses leave precisely on schedule. Upon arrival at the gaming hall, confirm the final return departure time for your route. The last bus typically leaves shortly after 2:00 AM, and alternative transportation from the Prior Lake area can be expensive.

Weekday schedules are significantly reduced compared to weekend service, with fewer routes active. For greater flexibility, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) Route 495 stops near the entertainment complex but requires a short walk. This public bus option connects with other transit lines, offering an alternative if shuttle times are inconvenient.

Locating High-Stakes Tables and Poker Rooms at Treasure Island

The dedicated poker room is situated on the property's second level, immediately next to the Island Bingo hall. For high-limit table games, proceed to the main gaming floor's designated high-limit pit, which is demarcated by its own private bar and premium seating.

Within this exclusive section, expect to find Blackjack tables with minimum wagers starting at $100 and Baccarat with similar limits. These tables are operated with more experienced dealers and offer a quieter atmosphere away from the general activity on the main floor.

The poker room itself consistently runs multiple live-action games. You will regularly find No-Limit Texas Hold'em with blinds of $2/$5 and $5/$10, along with Omaha Hi-Lo at a $4/$8 limit structure. A digital board at the entrance of the poker room displays all active games and waiting lists.

To participate in games with greater stakes, such as a $10/$20 No-Limit Hold'em match, you must speak directly with the poker room manager. They maintain interest lists for such games and form a table once enough players have registered. This same staff member can provide details on upcoming tournament series schedules.

Analyzing Player Rewards Programs for Frequent Visitors

Prioritize loyalty clubs that offer a point-to-benefit conversion rate of 1,000 points to $10 in free slot play or dining credits. Programs with lower redemption values dilute the return on your frequent patronage.

Base Tier (Entry Level): Typically requires 0-4,999 tier credits annually. Benefits are minimal, usually restricted to basic point accumulation.
Mid-Tier: Achieved around 5,000-14,999 credits. Expect point multipliers (e.g., 1.5x on select games) and modest discounts on food (10-15%).
Upper-Tier: Reached with 15,000-49,999 credits. This level adds access to dedicated service lines, preferred parking, and invitations to exclusive drawings.
Elite Tier (Top-Level): Reserved for patrons earning 50,000+ credits. Benefits include a personal host, complimentary hotel accommodations, and access to private lounges.

Evaluate point earning rates and their tangible worth:

Slot Machines: A standard rate is 1 point per $5 wagered. Seek out establishments offering 1 point per $3 on video poker machines with over a 99% payback percentage.
Table Games: Earning is calculated on game type, average bet, and duration of play. A $25 average blackjack wager for one hour typically yields 100-150 points.
Redemption Options:

Free Play: The most frequent redemption. A 1,000 point to $10 ratio is a solid benchmark.
Food & Beverage: Points often redeem at a 1:1 value with cash for accounting, meaning 100 points equals $1 at on-site restaurants.
Hotel Stays: Redemption values fluctuate. A standard room might cost 15,000 points per night, a poor value if the cash price of the room is below $150.

Direct mail and email offers are calculated based on your theoretical loss from the preceding 30-90 days. A player with a $500 theoretical loss per visit may receive offers for $50 in free play and a complimentary buffet ticket. A patron with a $100 theoretical loss might only get a $10 free play coupon. Track your own activity and compare these direct offers between competing area gaming venues to identify which one more generously rewards your specific level of patronage.

Point Expiration: Most local programs void all accumulated points after 6-12 months of card inactivity. Verify the expiration policy directly.
Tier Downgrades: Player status is re-evaluated on a fixed calendar, often January 1st or July 1st. Failure to meet the credit requirement results in a tier downgrade for the next evaluation period.
Partner Discounts: Some loyalty cards provide discounts at affiliated gas stations or local retailers. A 5-cent per gallon fuel discount provides tangible savings for regular commuters.
Event Access: Higher tiers grant pre-sale access or complimentary tickets to concerts and special events held at the entertainment complex. This non-monetary benefit holds significant value for frequent show-goers.