You’ve heard the buzz about the biggest casino in Minnesota, but you’re wondering if it’s really worth the drive. Is it just a sea of slots, or is there something for a serious table game player? Can you actually get a decent meal without breaking the bank, and what’s the deal with the hotel? Let’s cut through the marketing and see what Mystic Lake Casino Hotel actually delivers, from the blackjack felt to the pillow.
The Gaming Floor: More Than Just Slot Machines
Walking onto Mystic Lake’s 200,000-square-foot gaming floor, the scale is the first thing that hits you. They boast over 4,000 slot machines, which is an almost overwhelming number. You’ll find everything from classic reel-spinners to the latest high-definition video slots with progressive jackpots that can climb into the six figures. The high-limit slot area is secluded and offers machines with denominations that cater to bigger bankrolls.
For table game enthusiasts, the selection is robust, especially for a regional casino. You’ll find multiple pits for blackjack, with limits typically starting at $10 and going up to $2,000. They also offer several variations, including Double Deck and Free Bet Blackjack. Craps, roulette, and Mississippi Stud are staples. One of the standout features is their dedicated poker room. It’s not just a few tables in the corner; it’s a full-fledged room running daily tournaments and cash games in popular variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, which is a rarity in the area.
Player’s Club and Comps
Your play is tracked through the Club Mychoice loyalty program. Points are earned on slots and table games, which can be redeemed for free play, dining credits, and hotel stays. The tier system (Choice, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) offers escalating benefits like line-skipping, increased point multipliers, and invitations to exclusive events. While the comps are competitive, they are directly tied to your average daily theoretical loss, so consistent play is key to seeing real value.
Hotel, Dining, and Amenities
The Mystic Lake Hotel is connected to the casino via a skyway, a major plus in Minnesota winters. The rooms are modern, clean, and surprisingly spacious for a casino hotel, with comfortable beds and good soundproofing. The indoor pool area is a highlight, featuring a lagoon-style pool, hot tub, and a waterslide that’s a hit with families and adults alike.
Dining options are diverse. For a quick bite, the food court offers burgers, pizza, and Asian cuisine. The Buffet is a solid option for variety, though it’s not 24/7. For upscale steaks and seafood, The Meadows is the go-to, while Little Six Café provides reliable, classic American fare. The real social hub is Mystic Bar, which often features live music and has a great selection of local craft beers on tap.
Location and What Else to Know
Mystic Lake is located in Prior Lake, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. It’s easily accessible from I-35, and they offer ample free parking, including a covered garage. For non-drivers, they run shuttle buses from various locations in the Twin Cities metro area, which is a thoughtful touch.
The property is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and you’ll notice a respectful integration of Dakota culture throughout the design and artwork. The casino is strictly 18+, while the hotel and some restaurants are family-friendly. Smoking is allowed on most of the gaming floor, but there is a designated non-smoking slot area. Customer service is generally efficient, and security is visible but unobtrusive.
How It Stacks Up Against Online Play
If you’re comparing Mystic Lake to online casinos available in other states, the experience is fundamentally different. At Mystic Lake, you’re paying for the atmosphere, the social interaction at the tables, and the physical amenities. You can’t replicate the energy of a live craps table or a poker room online. However, online casinos like BetMGM or DraftKings in legal states offer convenience, a wider array of digital slot themes, and typically more lucrative welcome bonuses like a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with a 15x wagering requirement. For a Minnesota resident, Mystic Lake is the premier destination for a live casino experience, as online casino play is not yet legalized in the state.
FAQ
What are the table limits at Mystic Lake Casino?
Table limits vary by game and time. For blackjack, you can commonly find $10 minimum tables, especially during the day and on weekdays. As demand increases on nights and weekends, the floor minimum often rises to $15 or $25. High-limit areas offer tables with $50, $100, and up to $2,000 maximum bets. Craps and roulette typically start at $10 minimums as well.
Does Mystic Lake have a poker room, and what games run?
Yes, Mystic Lake has one of the few dedicated, full-service poker rooms in Minnesota. They regularly spread $1/$2 and $2/$5 No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash games. They also run daily tournaments, often with buy-ins ranging from $60 to $200, and frequently offer Omaha Hi-Lo and other variants. It's best to check their website or call the poker room line for the daily schedule.
Is the Mystic Lake buffet any good, and how much is it?
The Mystic Lake Buffet is considered one of the better casino buffets in the region. It features multiple stations including carved meats, seafood, Italian, Asian, and a substantial dessert selection. The quality is consistent. Pricing fluctuates but is typically around $25-$30 for dinner on weekends. It's not open 24 hours; hours are usually limited to lunch and dinner service, so checking ahead is advised.
Can you smoke at Mystic Lake Casino?
Yes, smoking is permitted on the majority of the casino gaming floor. However, they do have a designated non-smoking slot machine area that is physically separated and has improved air filtration. The poker room, most restaurants, the hotel, and all corridors are non-smoking environments.
What's the best way to get comps at Mystic Lake?
You must be a member of the free Club Mychoice players club and insert your card every time you play slots or have your play rated at table games. Comps are based on your average daily theoretical loss (ADT), which is calculated from your game play. Consistent, longer-duration play at higher denominations will generate the most points and tier credits, unlocking better rewards like free play offers, discounted hotel rates, and complimentary meals.