The process to establish a state lottery in Minnesota began in earnest in 1988 when a constitutional amendment authorizing such was passed by a 57 per cent vote. Minnesota Legislature was confirmed two years later bringing the state lottery into being. In 2011 the Minnesota government invoked a shutdown of the games and sales of Lottery tickets were suspended on July 1, only to be resumed when the shutdown ended. The Minnesota Lottery runs several games including the national Mega Millions and Powerball. The region specific draws include Daily 3, Northstar Cash and Gopher 5.

The Minnesota State Lottery has contributed to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund since 1988 after it was approved in the constitutional amendment. Trust Fund holds assets that can be appropriated, "for the public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources." Since 1991 the ENRTF has provided over $360 million to more than 800 projects around Minnesota.