Fond-du-Luth is the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's casino in downtown Duluth, and it is the only casino in the city itself. It rates 3.6 from more than 2,300 Google reviewers.
It opened in 1986 in the former Sears and Roebuck building on Superior Street — a genuine piece of downtown retail architecture repurposed for gaming, and one of the earlier urban tribal casinos anywhere.
What's on the floor
Two gaming floors carrying around 700 slot, video poker and video keno machines and four blackjack tables, with two bar lounges. Published machine counts range from about 650 to 700 depending on the source.
The layout is worth knowing: the second level is the smoking floor, with additional machines. If smoke matters to you either way, that is where the split falls.
Four blackjack tables is a small pit and they run on a schedule rather than continuously — check the venue's site before planning around a table.
The casino has been remodelled relatively recently.
The building is worth a moment on its own. Repurposing a downtown department store into a casino means high ceilings and a floorplate that feels nothing like a purpose-built gaming hall — closer to a converted warehouse bar than a Vegas room.
What it is and is not
There is no hotel, no bingo hall, no poker room and no restaurant beyond the bar lounges. This is a downtown gaming floor, and the honest comparison is with the Band's other property.
Black Bear Casino Resort at Carlton, about twenty-five minutes south-west, is the same operator's full resort — a hotel, a much larger floor and proper dining. If you want an evening rather than an hour, that is the one.
What Fond-du-Luth has instead is position. It is walkable from downtown Duluth hotels, Canal Park and the waterfront, which none of the region's other casinos can claim.
Tips before you go
The casino publishes daily hours of 8am to 2am. Some listings claim it runs around the clock; the current listing does not support that, so confirm before a late arrival.
The casino admits guests 18 and over, which is more permissive than the Minnesota properties that restrict to 21. Areas serving alcohol may still be 21-plus, so bring ID.
The Band has operated the property under a long-standing arrangement with the City of Duluth, which is unusual — most tribal casinos sit on reservation land rather than in a city centre.
Downtown parking applies — this is not a property with a free surface lot.
Nearby alternatives
South-west at Carlton, Black Bear Casino Resort is the same Band's resort with a hotel and a far larger floor. North, Fortune Bay Resort Casino at Tower sits on Lake Vermilion. West, Northern Lights Casino at Walker serves the Leech Lake area.
For the full picture, see all Minnesota in-person casinos.
FAQ
What are Fond-du-Luth Casino's hours?
The casino publishes 8am to 2am daily. Some older listings claim 24-hour operation — confirm with the venue before a late visit.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Fond-du-Luth Casino?
The casino admits guests 18 and over. Areas serving alcohol may still require 21, so bring ID.
What games are available at Fond-du-Luth Casino?
Around 700 slot, video poker and video keno machines across two floors, and four blackjack tables. There is no poker room or bingo hall.
Is Fond-du-Luth Casino smoking or non-smoking?
The second level is the smoking floor, with additional machines. The main floor is the alternative.
Does Fond-du-Luth Casino have a hotel?
No. The same Band operates Black Bear Casino Resort at Carlton, about twenty-five minutes away, which has one.
What building is Fond-du-Luth Casino in?
The former Sears and Roebuck building on Superior Street in downtown Duluth. The casino opened there in 1986.
Rather play from your couch tonight? See our Minnesota sweepstakes rankings.
Updated August 2026 · Details verified against Minnesota Indian Gaming Association records and the venue's official site. Hours and offerings change — confirm before you go.
