No, Minnesota’s gambling laws classify slapjacks as illegal gambling under Minn. Stat. § 609.755, which prohibits games of chance involving monetary stakes. Local ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul further restrict such activities, with recent 2026 updates tightening enforcement against unlicensed card games.
Key Regulations for Slapjacks in Minnesota
- Gambling Definition: Slapjacks qualify as “gambling” per Minn. Stat. § 609.755(1), requiring consideration, chance, and a prize. Courts have upheld this interpretation in cases involving card-based games with wagers.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Minneapolis (Ordinance 470.20) and St. Paul (Chapter 244) ban unlicensed card games, with fines up to $1,000 for violations. Police departments have increased patrols targeting informal gambling rings.
- Charitable Exemptions: Only licensed charitable organizations may host slapjacks under strict oversight (Minn. Stat. § 349.12), with proceeds restricted to non-profit uses. Non-compliance risks revocation of tax-exempt status.