Minnesota

Last updated: 3/13/2026

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Poker laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific legal questions about hosting poker games.

Home game poker is legal with conditions in Minnesota under M.S. 609.75, which excludes a 'private social bet' from the definition of a bet. Tribal casinos and two Racing Commission-licensed card casinos are the venues for live poker, and charitable gaming is well-regulated.

Home Games

Generally Legal

Minnesota law excludes from the definition of a 'bet' any 'private social bet not part of or incidental to organized, commercialized, or systematic gambling' (M.S. 609.75, subd. 3(5)), and 'game' does not include a private social bet (subd. 10). The exception is qualitative; the statute does not set a dollar cap on a private social wager.

Conditions

Must be a private social bet, not part of or incidental to organized, commercialized, or systematic gambling
No person may receive compensation, rake, or house cut for hosting or operating the game
All participants must be players on equal terms
Game must not be advertised or open to the public

Age: 18+

Charitable Gaming

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Minnesota has one of the most active charitable gaming frameworks in the country. The Gambling Control Board regulates charitable gaming including poker tournaments for qualifying organizations.

License: Required

Commercial Poker

Limited

Tribal casinos are the largest poker venues in Minnesota. In addition, two non-tribal card casinos — Canterbury Park (Shakopee) and Running Aces (Columbus) — operate card clubs under licenses issued by the Minnesota Racing Commission (Minn. Stat. ch. 240), not under the charitable gaming framework. There are no commercial casinos outside these frameworks.

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