Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Minnesota?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Minnesota. Skill machines in Minnesota bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Minnesota. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Minnesota; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, South Dakota is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. Minnesota taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Minnesota, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Minnesota
| Game | Cash play in Minnesota | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Minnesota |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Minnesota |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Minnesota |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Minnesota |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Minnesota |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Minnesota |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Minnesota |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Minnesota |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Minnesota |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Minnesota |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Minnesota |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Minnesota
Every game plays free first, so Minnesota players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Minnesota
Minnesota taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Minnesota return. The Minnesota Department of Revenue decides how Minnesota treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Minnesota players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Minnesota
Crossing from Minnesota into South Dakota switches cash matches off.
Questions about skill-game apps in Minnesota
Can I play Atay games for cash in Minnesota?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Minnesota. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Minnesota I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Minneapolis and Saint Paul get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from Minnesota into South Dakota?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in South Dakota. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in Minnesota.
Does Minnesota tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Minnesota has a state income tax; check the Minnesota Department of Revenue's guidance for your situation.
Minnesota status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.