You've spent the day shopping at the massive Mall of America in Bloomington and you're looking for some evening entertainment. The good news is, while there isn't a casino inside the mall, you've got a couple of solid options within a short drive. As a US player, you'll want to know about the land-based tribal casinos nearby and the legal online alternatives you can access right from your hotel room. Let's break down your choices for slots, blackjack, and more.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel & Canterbury Park
The closest physical casino to the Mall of America is Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, about a 25-minute drive southwest. It's operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and is one of the largest casinos in the Midwest. They have over 4,000 slot machines, 100+ table games including blackjack and craps, and a poker room. Canterbury Park in Shakobee, about 30 minutes away, offers live horse racing and a card casino with poker and table games, but no slot machines. Both require you to be 18+ to enter the gaming floor.
What to Expect for Table Game Players
At Mystic Lake, you'll find classic double-deck blackjack with minimums starting around $10 on weekdays. They also have craps, roulette, and Three Card Poker. If you're looking for a specific game, it's best to call ahead, as table availability can shift. Remember, Minnesota state law limits tribal casinos to blackjack and non-banked card games, so you won't find games like traditional baccarat where you play against the house.
Playing Online from Your Mall-Area Hotel
For ultimate convenience, many players visiting Minneapolis now use legal online casinos. Since Minnesota hasn't yet legalized online casinos, you can't play on sites based in the state. However, you can legally register and play on licensed online casinos based in other states like Michigan, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania if you have an account there. For a true local option, social and sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino or Pulsz are accessible nationwide and offer real prize opportunities without requiring a purchase.
Top Online Bonuses You Can Access
If you're a resident of a state with legal online casinos, you might already have accounts. For example, BetMGM Casino in Michigan offers a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with a 15x wagering requirement. DraftKings Casino in Pennsylvania has a similar $1,000 welcome bonus. These sites offer a wider variety of games than the physical casinos, including live dealer studios and hundreds of slot titles from providers like IGT and NetEnt.
Payment Methods and Getting Cash
At Mystic Lake, you can use cash, debit cards at the ATM, or get a line of credit with an application. For online play, if you're using a legal site from another state, methods like PayPal, online bank transfer, and Play+ are common. The social/sweepstakes sites accept standard Visa and Mastercard for purchasing virtual currency. Always check the cashier section for the specific options available in your location.
Dining and Non-Gaming Fun
Your casino trip isn't just about gambling. Mystic Lake has over a dozen dining options, from the upscale Mystic Steakhouse to casual buffets. They also have a large hotel, a concert venue, and two golf courses. If you're staying near the Mall of America, you can easily make an evening of it. Canterbury Park is great if you want to combine table games with the excitement of live thoroughbred racing during their summer meet.
FAQ
Is there a casino inside the Mall of America?
No, there is not a casino inside the Mall of America. Minnesota law only allows casino gaming on federally recognized tribal lands. The closest physical casinos are Mystic Lake and Canterbury Park, both about a 25-30 minute drive away.
What is the legal gambling age for casinos near Minneapolis?
The legal age to gamble at tribal casinos like Mystic Lake is 18 years old. However, you must be 21 to purchase alcohol anywhere on the property. For horse racing and pari-mutuel betting at Canterbury Park, the age is also 18.
Can I use my credit card at the casino?
You cannot use a credit card directly at the gaming tables or slot machines. You can use a credit card to get a cash advance at the cage or at an ATM, but these transactions typically come with high fees. It's better to bring cash or use a debit card.
Are there any free shuttles from Mall of America hotels to the casinos?
Some hotels in the Bloomington area may offer shuttle service to Mystic Lake, but it's not universal. You should call your specific hotel's concierge to ask. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and a common way to get to and from the casinos.