Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.

In Minnesota, gaming law is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal law. The Minnesota State Lottery oversees lotteries and scratch ticket games, while the Minnesota Racing Commission regulates horse racing. Casinos are generally operated by Native American tribes under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, with oversight by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board for certain aspects like charitable gambling, which includes bingo and raffles. Sports betting is not currently legal in Minnesota. Social gambling is allowed within strict limitations, such as private, social bets where no one profits other than the winners, and no 'house' takes a cut. The federal statute at 18 U.S.C. §1955 prohibits illegal gambling businesses, which is applicable in Minnesota as in other states. This federal law works in conjunction with state laws to regulate or prohibit certain types of gambling activities. It's important for individuals and businesses to comply with both state and federal regulations regarding gaming, and those interested in engaging in such activities should consult with an attorney to ensure they adhere to all applicable laws.