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Minnesota’s tribal casinos and online sweepstakes sites each have their own type of casino-style gaming. But how do they compare?
The tribal nations run operations that you visit in person; sweepstakes casinos live solely on your phone or computer. Both attract plenty of attention... And a fair amount of confusion. This guide looks at what the two offer and explains where the state stands on each, with a way to compare sweepstakes sites before you sign up.
How the Two Compare
Each of Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations runs its own casino operations, under a compact with the state. Many include hotels and live performances, so a day out at a casino can be just that – a day out. Or at the very least, a long afternoon and evening. Minnesota, however, does not license online casinos or sports betting.
A study commissioned by the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, published in December 2025, found that tribal casinos employed more than 10,000 people in 2023, and purchased over $600 million in goods and services – more than half from within the state. About 19 million visits a year make them the state’s second-largest tourist attraction, behind only the Mall of America: it's big business, and a major employer.
Sweepstakes casinos use two kinds of coin. Gold Coins can only be used for play, but Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards once you reach a site’s minimum, usually after an identity check. You can buy coin packages, but free coins also come via sign-up offers or daily log-ins; a free mail-in request works too.
The main differences are as follows:
- Location: a casino is a place you go to; a sweepstakes site goes with you, wherever it’s available.
- Currency: a casino uses cash from your first bet, whereas a sweepstakes site uses two currencies – Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
- Oversight: tribal casinos operate under state compacts, whereas sweepstakes operators cite federal law regarding sweepstakes.
- Age: Minnesota sets the legal gambling age at 18; each sweepstakes site sets its own minimum age, typically 18+, with a few at 21+.
Comparing Sweepstakes Sites
Sweepstakes sites do vary; a handy chart to compare them is available in Covers’ list. It features the sweepstakes casinos its specialist has tested; the last update was October 15, 2026. It includes each site’s welcome offer and expected speed of redemption, from a day or less to as long as 10 days, with an overall score out of 5 and sub-scores for areas such as bonuses and security.
Each operator lists an age minimum, and the states where the site isn’t available. That’s essential from the get-go, as you can see whether a site is available where you are, before sharing personal details. The detailed reviews also list minimum redemption amounts: the Sweeps Coins you need before you can redeem.
The page also explains how sweepstakes casinos work and how free coins are obtained. It follows laws elsewhere too: Oklahoma’s ban takes effect on November 1, while Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing their own ban. For Minnesotans, tracking what happens elsewhere makes sense, as other states’ decisions can hint at what comes next. Treat the page as a primer, since the reviews reflect one tester’s experience; terms can change, so read each operator’s official rules.
Where Minnesota Law Stands
Lawmakers came close to a ban this year. Senate File 4474 would have prohibited online sweepstakes games; the Senate passed the bill 62 to 3 on April 30, 2026. Its page on the Legislature’s site notes every step. The House received the bill on May 4 but took no further action before the session concluded on May 18. A similar measure could be taken up again in 2027.
Tribal gaming groups supported the bill. Sweepstakes operators say that because entry is free their games are covered by sweepstakes law, but state officials disagree. In November 2025 the Attorney General’s office sent cease-and-desist letters to 14 online operators, including sweepstakes casinos; Keith Ellison said online gambling isn’t legal in the state.
Both sides’ positions are on record but could shift, so check that any site you sign up to serves Minnesota.
Playing Smart Either Way
For any form of gambling, whether you’re at a gaming site or a casino, it’s sensible to set a budget before you play: treat any wins as bonuses. After all, over 31,000 people contacted the National Problem Gambling Helpline each month, in 2025 (according to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s annual helpline report). Online and app-based gambling made up 31% of reports – up from 23% the previous year. As the council is neutral on legalized gambling, that statistic covers all formats. If you’d like to talk to someone, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
Scams are a concern; local officials have warned of fake texts that pretend to be from state agencies. They say to confirm via an official website or trusted phone number, which applies equally to phishing messages about gaming. Type in a web address rather than following a link in a message; use multi-factor authentication where operators offer it. A free cybersecurity event in New Ulm on October 22 covers phishing and data breaches. It’s aimed at local businesses but open to the public with advance registration.