Casino Near Bloomington Mn



You're in Bloomington, maybe staying near the Mall of America, and the itch hits—you want some real action, not just a buffet and a movie. The good news? You are in one of the best spots in the entire Midwest for casino gaming. You don't have to drive hours into the wilderness to find a blackjack table or a slot machine. Within a 20-minute drive of downtown Bloomington, you have access to two massive gaming complexes that rival destinations in Vegas or Council Bluffs. But which one deserves your time and bankroll?

Mystic Lake Casino: The Heavyweight Champion

Let's get the big one out of the way first. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, located in Prior Lake, is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive southwest of Bloomington. It is the largest casino in the state, and honestly, it feels like it. If you are looking for sheer volume of games, this is your spot. The gaming floor is massive, housing over 4,000 slot machines and 100 blackjack tables. They don't offer traditional roulette or craps with dice due to state compacts, but they offer electronic versions and card-based table games that scratch the same itch.

What sets Mystic Lake apart for a Bloomington local or visitor is the convenience factor combined with the 'resort' feel. You aren't just driving to a warehouse with slots. There’s a championship golf course, a high-end hotel, and a concert venue that pulls in major acts. If you play table games, the limits can get steep on weekends, but weekday mornings, you can often find lower minimums. Parking is abundant, but on event nights, be prepared to walk or use valet.

Little Six Casino: Quick Access and Local Vibes

Right next door to Mystic Lake, you’ll find Little Six Casino. Don't let the name fool you—it’s owned by the same Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and offers a more compact, accessible experience. For someone driving up from Bloomington who just wants to play slots for an hour or two without navigating a labyrinthine megaresort, Little Six is the answer.

It focuses almost exclusively on slot machines and electronic table games. The atmosphere is more casual, less intimidating for new players, and it serves as a quick in-and-out option. Because it's physically connected to Mystic Lake’s operations, you can easily hop between the two if you want the best of both worlds—the high energy of the big floor and the relaxed pace of the smaller venue.

Jackpot Junction: The Alternative Option

If you are willing to drive a bit further west—about 45 minutes from Bloomington—you’ll hit Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton, MN. This is a different beast entirely. It’s smaller than Mystic Lake, but it has a loyal following because it feels less 'corporate.' The table limits here are often friendlier to recreational players. They offer bingo, which is rare to find at the larger casinos, and their poker room has a dedicated local crowd.

Why make the drive? If you find Mystic Lake too crowded or the limits too high, Jackpot Junction is where you go to stretch your bankroll. It’s an older facility, sure, but the trade-off is a more relaxed environment where you aren't fighting for a machine.

Comparing Your Casino Options

Choosing between the local spots depends entirely on what kind of night you are planning. Are you dressing up for a show and dinner? Or are you throwing on a hoodie and playing slots until 2 AM? Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect from the casinos within striking distance of Bloomington.

Casino	Distance from Bloomington	Key Features	Best For
Mystic Lake	~15 miles (20 mins)	4,000+ slots, Blackjack, Hotel, Golf	Full resort experience & big events
Little Six	~15 miles (20 mins)	Slots, Electronic Tables	Quick gaming sessions
Jackpot Junction	~45 miles (50 mins)	Bingo, Poker, Lower Limits	Budget-friendly play & Poker

Legal Online Casino Options for Minnesota Players

Here is the reality check: while you can drive 20 minutes to play physical slots, real-money online casinos are not yet legal in Minnesota. Legislators have been debating the issue, but for now, you cannot legally open an app like BetMGM or DraftKings Casino to play for cash within state lines. This frustrates a lot of players who want the convenience of gaming from their couch in Bloomington without the drive to Prior Lake.

However, Minnesota law does allow for social and sweepstakes casinos. These platforms use a dual-currency system (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins). You play with Gold Coins for fun, and Sweeps Coins can often be redeemed for prizes or cash. It’s a legal gray area that operates under different statutes than traditional gambling. For Bloomington residents, sites like these provide a way to play slots or table games on a phone without crossing state lines.

Tips for Your First Visit from Bloomington

If it’s your first time heading out to Mystic Lake or Little Six, plan your route carefully. Highway 169 is the main artery connecting Bloomington to Prior Lake, and it can get jammed during rush hour. Plan for 30 minutes if you are driving between 4 PM and 6 PM on a weekday. Also, sign up for the players club card immediately upon entering—Mystic Lake’s Club M frequently offers new member promotions like free slot play or dining credits that offset your gas money.

Another thing to keep in mind: alcohol service. Minnesota casinos on tribal land follow their own regulations, but they generally adhere to state hours for alcohol service. However, the coffee shops and snack bars stay open late. If you are planning a late-night session, grab a substantial meal before the main restaurants close their kitchens, usually around 10 PM or 11 PM on weekdays.

FAQ