About Us

Fond-du-Luth Casino has stood at the heart of downtown Duluth, Minnesota, since 1986 — a living example of what can happen when a city and a tribal nation choose partnership over despair. What began as a bold response to economic crisis has grown into one of the most recognized gaming destinations in the Upper Midwest, and the story behind it is worth knowing.

Where It All Started — A Casino Born From Crisis

In 1984, Duluth was struggling. The city carried an unemployment rate approaching 20 percent, and conditions on the Fond du Lac Reservation were even more severe, with unemployment exceeding 40 percent. Duluth Mayor John Fedo reached out to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to explore a joint economic development project — an idea that was bold for its time.

After two years of planning, the Band purchased the former Sears and Roebuck building on East Superior Street in 1985, remodeled it, and opened Fond-du-Luth Casino in 1986. The city built a parking ramp next door to support the operation. Both parties invested approximately $2.5 million each. What started as a bingo hall eventually evolved into a full-scale gaming venue when modern slot machines arrived around 1989, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Fond-du-Luth is Duluth's only casino — the sole gaming destination for Minnesota's fourth-largest city and the entire northeastern Minnesota region.

The Proud Heritage Behind the Name

The casino is owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, one of six bands that form the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. The Band's ancestors have lived in the Great Lakes region since at least 800 A.D., with their first recorded contact with Europeans occurring in 1622 when French explorer Etienne Brule encountered the Chippewa at Sault Ste. Marie.

The tribe's reservation — known as Nagaajiwanaang, an Ojibwe word meaning "where the water stops" — spans Carlton and St. Louis counties in northern Minnesota and was established through the La Pointe Treaty of 1854. The Band has approximately 4,200 enrolled members and operates a wide range of community enterprises, from Northwoods Radio and FDL Gas & Grocery to the Min-No-Aya-Win Health Clinic and the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

Gaming revenue supports this broader mission of community development, cultural preservation, and economic self-sufficiency. In 2022, twelve American bison were reintroduced to the reservation for the first time since the animals were nearly hunted to extinction in the late 1800s — a milestone moment that reflects exactly what the Band's enterprises help make possible.

A One-of-a-Kind Gaming Destination

Fond-du-Luth Casino holds a distinction no other casino in Minnesota can claim: it is the only casino in the state built on land that was not originally part of a reservation. A deserted block in downtown Duluth was purchased by the Band and placed into federal trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs — a unique legal achievement that required navigating the newly enacted National Indian Gaming Act.

The casino occupies two floors totaling approximately 20,000 square feet of gaming space inside the former Sears building. The first floor is a fully renovated, 100% smoke-free gaming area featuring modern slot machines — including popular titles found in Las Vegas. The second floor is a smoking-permitted space that houses the blackjack tables, a full-service bar with bar-top gaming machines, a second cashier cage, and additional slots.

Guests will find over 650 video slot machines, video poker, video keno, and video blackjack, with denominations ranging from penny to dollar. The blackjack pit offers up to four tables during peak hours, with betting limits from $3 to $1,000 per hand and player-friendly rules that give experienced players a fair shot. The casino is open daily from 8 AM to 2 AM and is fully handicap-accessible throughout.

World-Class Games Powered by Top Software

The gaming experience at Fond-du-Luth is backed by Pragmatic Play — one of the most respected software providers in the industry. Pragmatic Play delivers high-quality, visually engaging titles that keep players coming back for more.

Among the standout games available is Slotstructor Slots, a fun, toys-themed 5-reel slot with 25 paylines, coin sizes ranging from $0.05 to $3.00, and up to 10 free spins. The game features a colorful cast of symbols including KingStructor, KingBonus, Constructed Sun, and Constructed Clocks, along with a dedicated Slotstructor bonus round that adds serious replay value.

If you prefer something with a bigger sense of adventure, Buffalo King Megaways Slots delivers exactly that. This 6-reel video slot leans into American nature themes with symbols like the American Eagle, Buffalo, Wolf, Cougar, and Moose. With up to 200,704 paylines and features like the Tumble Feature, Free Spins Feature, and Ante Bet Feature, the action never lets up. Unlimited free spins and a max bet of $125 make this one a real contender for players chasing big moments on the reels.

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Our Mission — Fair Play, Real Fun, Real Responsibility

At Fond-du-Luth Casino, the commitment to players goes beyond the gaming floor. Fair play is a core principle, and every game on offer is designed to provide a transparent, enjoyable experience. The casino operates under the regulatory oversight of the National Indian Gaming Commission, ensuring that all gaming activity is conducted lawfully and ethically.

Player protection is taken seriously. The casino uses robust security infrastructure — including a fully upgraded video surveillance system — to protect guests and maintain the integrity of every game. Transactions and personal information are handled with care, and the team on the floor is trained to uphold the highest standards of safety and service.

Customer support is available via live chat or by reaching out directly at support@fondduluth.com. Whether you have a question about a promotion, need help with your rewards account, or just want to know more about what's on offer, the team is ready to help.

Rewarding Loyalty — The Épique Rewards Program

Fond-du-Luth Casino offers a robust loyalty program through its Épique Rewards membership, which gives players access to a wide range of ongoing promotions and perks. New members can get started with a $5 Club Cash welcome bonus — a simple, no-fuss way to begin your experience on the floor.

From there, the rewards keep building. Weekly promotions cover everything from gift certificates and parking fee reimbursements to cash drawings and bonus play credits. Earn points on your Player's Club card, visit the kiosk, and unlock new rewards throughout the week. Daily Rewards Play downloads are capped at $300, and winnings totaling $600 or more in a calendar year will require a 1099 form — so it's worth keeping track of your good fortune.

Check out current promotions:

All promotions require valid Épique Rewards membership and a photo ID for claims. Terms are subject to change, so checking in at the kiosk or with a casino host is always a smart move.

Responsible Gaming — Because Playing Smart Matters

Fond-du-Luth Casino is committed to providing a safe environment for every guest. Gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment — never a source of financial stress or hardship. The casino encourages all players to set personal limits before they play, take breaks, and recognize the signs of problem gambling.

Resources and support are available for anyone who needs them. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and time management strategies can make a meaningful difference. Playing responsibly is the best way to keep the experience fun, and the team at Fond-du-Luth is here to support that.

The Team That Makes It All Happen

Behind every great gaming experience is a dedicated team of professionals who care deeply about what they do. The staff at Fond-du-Luth Casino brings years of experience in gaming operations, customer service, security, and hospitality — all united by a shared passion for delivering an exceptional visit, every single time.

From the dealers at the blackjack tables to the hosts at the Épique Rewards counter, every team member is committed to making your time at the casino memorable. The Band's broader mission of community service and cultural pride runs through everything the casino does, and that spirit shows in the way guests are welcomed and treated.

No Hotel? No Problem — A Full Resort Is Minutes Away

While Fond-du-Luth Casino does not have an attached hotel, guests have easy access to the sister property, Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton, Minnesota — approximately 20 minutes south of Duluth. Black Bear offers 158-plus hotel rooms, a pool, a golf course, childcare services, and meeting rooms. A free shuttle runs between the two properties every two hours, making it simple to enjoy both experiences under one tribal umbrella.

Whether you're stopping in for a few hours of play in downtown Duluth or planning a full weekend getaway, the Fond du Lac Band's family of properties has you covered. Come experience a casino with real history, real heart, and real rewards — and find out why Fond-du-Luth has been a cornerstone of the Duluth community for nearly four decades.