Here’s the short answer: No, Running Aces Casino in Columbus, Minnesota does not have traditional slot machines. If you are driving up I-35 expecting rows of flashing Aristocrat or IGT slots like you’d find at Mystic Lake or Treasure Island, you are going to be disappointed. Running Aces operates under a different set of state regulations compared to the tribal casinos in Minnesota. But that doesn't mean the gaming floor is empty. The facility focuses almost entirely on card games, specifically poker and blackjack, alongside live horse racing. For slot enthusiasts, this distinction is critical to understand before you plan a trip.
The Difference Between Racinos and Tribal Casinos
To understand why you won't find a Wheel of Fortune machine at Running Aces, you have to look at Minnesota gaming law. The state has a compact with Native American tribes that allows them to offer Class III gaming, which includes slots and table games. Running Aces, however, is a commercial card club and harness racing track—not a tribal enterprise. Under Minnesota statutes, card clubs are limited to poker and unbanked card games. This means the house doesn't bank the games; players bet against each other. While the venue does offer electronic table games that resemble slots, these are technically classified differently under state law.
Electronic Table Games and Video Poker
While you won't see spinning reels, Running Aces does feature electronic gaming options. You will find terminals for video poker and electronic blackjack. These machines function similarly to slots in that you are playing against a computer algorithm, but the gameplay mechanics mimic card games. If you enjoy video poker strategy—like knowing which cards to hold in Jacks or Better—these terminals can still provide entertainment. However, if you are chasing progressive jackpots on penny slots or looking for bonus rounds with free spins, you are out of luck here.
What Games Can You Actually Play at Running Aces?
The gaming floor is designed for players who prefer strategy over chance. The poker room is the heart of the operation. It is widely considered one of the best poker rooms in the Twin Cities area, featuring dozens of tables spreading No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games. You will find daily tournaments with guaranteed prize pools and cash games running around the clock.
Beyond poker, Running Aces spreads '21' (blackjack) and other card games like Pai Gow Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Remember, since this is a card club, the dynamic is slightly different from a Las Vegas-style blackjack table, but the rules closely mimic standard casino rules. The betting limits are usually competitive, often starting at $5 or $10 minimums during off-peak hours.
Simulcast Racing and Sports Betting
Running Aces is historically a harness racing track. In the summer months, you can watch live standardbred racing right from the grandstand. During the off-season or on days without live races, the racebook offers simulcast wagering on tracks from across the country. If you are into betting on sports, Running Aces also operates a retail sportsbook. You can place bets on NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports via self-service kiosks or at the betting window. This is a solid alternative if you traveled there expecting casino gaming variety.
Where to Find Slots Near the Twin Cities
If your heart is set on playing slots, you will need to redirect your GPS toward one of the nearby tribal casinos. Minnesota has a robust tribal gaming scene, and the closest options to the Twin Cities offer thousands of machines.
| Casino | Approx. Drive from Minneapolis | Slot Machines | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Lake Center | 30 minutes | 4,000+ | Largest gaming floor in state, high-limit slots |
| Treasure Island | 45 minutes | 2,200+ | Wide variety of denominations, player rewards |
| Grand Casino Hinckley | 90 minutes | 2,100+ | Virtual video blackjack, bingo hall |
Mystic Lake is the heavy hitter here. Operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, it offers the closest experience to a Las Vegas-style mega-resort you will find in the state. They have massive progressive banks linking machines across the property, and the player’s club offers decent kickback rates for your play. If you are used to betting on DraftKings or FanDuel Casino apps, you will find the transition to Mystic Lake’s slot floor seamless—they have all the popular branded titles.
Online Casinos as an Alternative for MN Players
Since Minnesota does not yet have regulated real-money online casinos, players often look for alternatives when they can't drive to a tribal property. Social and sweepstakes casinos are a popular legal work-around for Minnesota residents. These platforms use a dual-currency system (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins), allowing you to play slot-style games and redeem winnings for cash prizes.
Platforms like High 5 Casino, McLuck, or Stake.us offer extensive libraries of slot games that look and play almost identically to the real-money slots you’d find at Mystic Lake. While it’s not the same as feeding a $20 bill into a physical machine, it fills the gap for slot players who live in the cities and don't want to drive an hour to Shakopee.
Legal Landscape for Online Slots
It is worth noting that legislation to legalize real-money online casinos in Minnesota has been proposed but moves slowly. Unlike neighboring states like Michigan or Ontario, Canada, where you can legally play BetMGM or FanDuel Casino apps on your phone, Minnesota players are currently restricted to offshore sites (which carry risks) or social casinos. If you choose to play offshore, be aware that you have no legal recourse if a payout is withheld, which is a risk many experienced players prefer to avoid.
Dining and Amenities at Running Aces
Even without slots, Running Aces draws a crowd for its dining and atmosphere. The facility is newer and cleaner than many older card rooms. The focus here is on a more upscale casual environment compared to the often smoky, chaotic vibe of some casino floors. You have a few solid dining choices, including a steakhouse and a casual sports bar. The food quality generally gets high marks from locals—this isn't just heated buffet food. If you are going there with a group where half want to gamble and half just want dinner, Running Aces is actually a more pleasant environment for the non-gamblers than a loud slot floor.
FAQ
Is Running Aces a real casino?
Running Aces is officially classified as a 'card club' and racetrack, not a full-service casino. It offers poker, blackjack, and racing wagers, but it does not offer slot machines, roulette, or craps.
Can you win real money at Running Aces?
Yes, you can win real money playing poker, blackjack, and other permitted card games. You can also win money betting on horse racing and sports. All winnings are subject to state and federal tax laws.
Why are there no slots at Running Aces?
Minnesota state law only permits slot machines at tribal casinos. Running Aces is a commercial business, not a tribal entity, so it is legally restricted from offering Class III gaming like slots.
What is the minimum age to gamble at Running Aces?
You must be 18 years or older to play poker or bet on horses at Running Aces. This is different from tribal casinos, where the minimum age for slots is typically 21.