New Study Ranks Minnesota Town Among Top Casino Getaways in the U.S.

When you think “top U.S. casino destinations,” your brain probably jumps to places like Vegas, Atlantic City, or maybe even Biloxi. But what if I told you that a small town in Minnesota is now one of the top 10 best casino cities in the entire country?

It’s not a place you’d typically find on a list with America’s biggest gaming hotspots. No neon strip. No oceanside boardwalk. No celebrity residencies or massive nightclubs. But this unassuming Minnesota destination quietly checked all the right boxes, earning national recognition for its top-tier casino experience.

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According to a new study by SlotMatrix (the world’s largest library of casino content), Prior Lake, Minnesota is officially one of the hottest casino holiday spots in the U.S. The research crunched numbers from 55 casino towns across the country, and Prior Lake beat out heavy hitters like Biloxi, St. Louis, and even Philadelphia.

So, how did this little slice of Scott County land such a high score? Two words: slot. machines.

How Many Slot Machines Do Prior Lake Casinos Have?

The study found that Prior Lake has nearly 2400 slot machines per casino, the third-highest in the country. Combine that with the 92.5 table and poker games per location, and you’ve got a gaming experience that rivals some of the biggest casino cities in the country.

While Prior Lake is home to just two casinos, Mystic Lake and its smaller counterpart, Little Six, they pack a serious punch. Mystic Lake is the largest casino in the Midwest, with about 4,000 slot machines, and Little Six has about 800.

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Together, the two offer seven on-site casino restaurants, a casino hotel, and a vibe that’s more “refined night out” than “rowdy all-nighter.” With only 10 late-night bars in town, Prior Lake has your Vegas-level gaming without the Vegas-level chaos.

Prior Lake is Minnesota's Hidden Casino Capital

On top of that, there are only about 28,000 residents in Prior Lake, giving a little more elbow room than most casino towns. That’s good news for casino lovers, especially considering the average hotel stay costs just $130 per night. Compare that to Vegas’ $210 or the U.S. average of $183.

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The study also says Google searches for Prior Lake casino-related travel have spiked by 71% since 2022.

So, while Prior Lake might not have the 24/7 party vibe of Vegas or the boardwalk flash of Atlantic City, it’s got something I say is arguably better: an affordable, crowd-beating casino experience that’s not far away. SlotMatrix even called it “the gaming capital of Minnesota.”

While casino vacations can be fun and exciting, it’s important to know your limits and gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, help is available. The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling offers free, confidential resources and support — call their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE (4673) or visit mnapg.org