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It seems like the digital revolution has also reached Austin, Minnesota – which is a small town of 26,000 best known for Hormel’s SPAM and tight community vibes. But what about gambling, specifically online gambling?

Well, this has always been a tricky topic in Minnesota, and although residents were hoping for a change, it seems like they are stuck with the same rules that dictated the climate for some time.

The state of Minnesota has a couple of tribal casinos and  horse racing tracks, but none of them are close to Austin. So, where are the options here? How are locals in Austin getting their gaming fix?  And is online gambling even allowed here?

Let’s dig into the details, and find out more about how are Austin locals using casino apps.

Is Online Gambling Allowed in Austin, Minnesota?

The short answer is No. Real-money online gambling like casinos or poker sites are illegal in Minnesota, including Austin. We are talking about a state with strict gambling laws, overseen by Minnesota Gambling Control Board, where they’ve limited the industry to 19 tribal casinos, two racetracks, the state lottery, and charity games like bingo.

So, the only way for Austin residents to play some casino games, is to get in the car and travel to the nearest tribal casino.

The thing is that, the online gambling climate isn’t going to change anytime soon. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 adds federal muscle by blocking financial transactions for illegal online gambling. So, it is really difficult to play at an online casino in Austin, Minnesota.

If you are violating these laws, it can lead to misdemeanor charges, although enforcement typically targets operators, not individual players.

So, what is the solution? Well, many people have turned to sweepstakes casinos. These aren’t real-money casinos and you play with digital currencies, which also can be bought.

This is a model that slips through the legal loopholes, since you are also buying “Gold Coins” with real money, so the gambling part is kind of the same.

In Austin, where the nearest tribal casino (Treasure Island in Welch) is an 80-mile trek, these apps are a popular way to scratch the gambling itch without breaking the law.

Social gambling, like low-stakes poker nights at home, is also okay in Minnesota, as long as no one profits from hosting and pots stay under $200. But anything bigger, especially online, risks legal trouble. So, while Austinites can’t legally fire up a real-money poker app, they’re flocking to sweepstakes platforms to play within the rules.

How Are Austin Locals Gambling Online?

In Austin, where community life revolves around work, family, and maybe a Friday night at the B&J Bar, casino apps are quietly gaining traction. Here’s how locals are diving into digital gambling:

• Sweepstakes Casinos: Players use free coins to enjoy slots, poker, or blackjack, with the chance to redeem Sweeps Coins for cash (e.g., 100 coins = $100). These apps are mobile-friendly. Locals love the no-risk vibe—play for free, win real prizes.
• Social Features: Many apps mimic the social buzz of Austin’s old-school poker nights. In-game chats, leaderboards, and virtual tournaments let players compete globally, though it’s not quite the same as bluffing your buddy over a beer. For younger Austinites, raised on mobile gaming, this digital camaraderie feels natural.
• VPNs and Offshore Sites: Some locals skirt the law using VPNs to access offshore real-money casinos, like those in Malta or Curacao. These sites offer slots, poker, and sports betting, but are illegal in Minnesota. Some of the offshore casino apps also have instant withdrawals where you can get your money in minutes. To find out more, read this guide. Enforcement is rare for individual players, but there’s no recourse if a site scams you—no state agency backs unregulated platforms. Most stick to legal sweepstakes apps to avoid the hassle.

Data’s sparse on Austin specifically, but Minnesota’s high online poker search volume suggests strong interest in digital gambling, especially in towns far from physical casinos. Sweepstakes apps dominate because they’re safe, legal, and easy, fitting Austin’s practical, no-fuss mindset.

The State of the Online Gambling Industry in 2025

The online gambling industry is booming, but it’s a patchwork across the US. Here’s the big picture, with a nod to how it shapes Austin’s options:

The US online gambling market hit $172 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow in the future. Sports betting leads, legal in 39 states, while only seven states (New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, Rhode Island) allow real-money online casinos and poker. Minnesota’s not among them, so Austin relies on sweepstakes platforms, which thrive in this legal gray zone.

Blockchain powers fast, transparent crypto payouts (under 24 hours), while AI ensures fair RNGs and flags problem gambling.

Mobile apps, dominating 75% of play, offer seamless interfaces and live dealer games, like Evolution’s blackjack, that mimic casino vibes. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging, with some apps testing VR poker rooms for immersive play.

All of this is happening, but Minnesota seems unbothered.

Despite the rise in popularity of the online gambling industry, Austin residents will have to play sweepstakes or try their hand at offshore online casinos. They are in the legal grey area, and although you won’t run into trouble with the law, it is still a good idea to use a VPN and make sure you are playing on a legit site, since the law won’t have your back if you lose your money.

Gamble Responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.