Minnesota Horse Racing Betting Sites

All Minnesota horse racing betting sites and tracks must apply for advance deposit wagering (ADW) licenses from the state and conform to consumer protection regulations, ensuring fans receive fair treatment and fast payouts.

The Minnesota Racing Commission investigates each applicant to verify that they are financially stable, have the technical means to protect customers’ data, and operate in a fair manner.

To that end, the Commission requires all Minnesota horse racing betting sites to submit their operating plans and undergo extensive background checks when applying for licenses. Additionally, licensed ADWs must acquire surety bonds or other financial guarantee instruments to ensure they always have access to enough funding to cover all payments due to Minnesota bettors.

In short, Minnesota has an effective ADW licensing system, and bettors should use licensed operators only. Each of the following horse racing betting sites in Minnesota is legal and licensed:

Minnesota Horse Race Tracks

Minnesota has two race tracks, one with thoroughbred racing and one with harness racing. Both also offer unbanked card games, such as poker and other table games retrofitted to comply with a law passed in 1999.

Minnesota horse racing tracks face significant competition from other forms of gambling and entertainment, but they have performed admirably under the circumstances. Even as the number of races hosted nationwide has declined in recent years, Minnesota’s race tracks have extended their annual calendars and experienced steady attendance growth.

According to recent estimates, the Minnesota horse racing industry contributes more than $400 million and 5,500 jobs to the local economy – all in a state with just two licensed race tracks.

Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park hosts thoroughbred races from May through September each year and offers simulcasting year-round.

Guests can also play card games, including Blackjack, Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and more. The poker room at Canterbury Park offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, and mixed games.

1100 Canterbury Rd
Shakopee, MN 55379

Running Aces

Running Aces hosts harness racing from May through September each year and simulcasting year-round.

The card room at Running Aces offers no-commission Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, EZ Baccarat, Mississippi Stud, and more. A separate poker room hosts daily tournaments for Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

15201 Running Aces Blvd
Columbus, MN 55025

Minnesota Off-Track Betting Locations

Minnesota does not have standalone off-track betting facilities (OTBs), but fans can visit either of the state’s two racetracks year-round for simulcast wagering on races held worldwide.

• Canterbury Park Racebook: The Canterbury Park racebook is open year-round and located on the third floor. Operating hours vary based on the international racing schedule, but it usually opens between 10 AM and Noon.
• Running Aces Race Book: The Running Aces Race Book features 20+ TVs, two 80-inch screens, weekly simulcast wagering promotions, and up to 3% race rebates for Aces Rewards members (membership is free). It’s a popular venue with limited space, so reservations are required ($10 for Aces Rewards Spade and Club members; $20 for everyone else).

Minnesota Online Horse Racing Betting Law

Minnesota legalized advance deposit wagering and established a licensing process for operators (ADWs) in 2016. Online horse racing betting was already widespread in Minnesota at the time, but it was largely unregulated and did not benefit the local horse racing industry.

Lawmakers approved the law to enact consumer protection regulations and boost the Minnesota horse racing industry by directing taxes and fees toward four local causes:

• The promotion of horse breeding in Minnesota
• The Minnesota Racing Commission
• Local race tracks
• Local race purses

MN Stat § 240.131 and MN Rules Chapter 7880 authorize and regulate advance deposit wagering in Minnesota. Under state law, Minnesota horse racing betting sites must acquire licenses before accepting wagers from residents and take specific

Advance deposit wagering is authorized and regulated by Chapter 7880 of the state code. Under state law, online betting sites and horse racing betting apps must acquire licenses before accepting wagers from Minnesota residents. Some of the key regulations regarding online horse racing betting in Minnesota include the following:

• Licensed providers may accept pari-mutuel wagers via any wired or wireless communications device
• Minnesota horse racing betting sites may not extend credit to customers
• Minnesota horse bettors must be 18 or older
• Betting operators must verify the name, address, phone number, age, and identity of each customer

Minnesota horse racing betting sites must pay nonrefundable application fees of $10,000 when applying for advance deposit wagering licenses and $2,500 annual renewal fees thereafter.

Once approved, licensed Minnesota ADWs may offer online wagering to the public and accept the following betting deposit methods:

• Cash at locations designated by each horse racing betting site
• Credit and debit cards
• Electronic funds transfers
• Any other method approved by the Minnesota Racing Commission

Minnesota Horse Racing Betting FAQ