Minnesota Legislature Will Try For Legal Sports Betting Again

Lawmakers are taking another shot at legalizing retail and online sports betting in Minnesota, and multiple bills have been filed or assigned to committee since the state legislative session opened on Monday.

While at least one of the bills has been updated since last year’s failed attempt to legalize, it appears that a key hurdle remains, with Sen. Jeremy Miller’s “Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0” allowing for in-person betting at horse racetracks and professional sports venues. Minnesota’s 11 tribes have long had a monopoly on gambling in the state, and including the tracks or other commercial entities has traditionally been a non-starter.

In addition to Miller’s bill, HF 2000, a version of which Rep. Zach Stephenson shepherded through the House in 2022, will also be in play. That bill maintains the tribal monopoly and has been assigned to the House Human Services Finance Committee. Miller’s bill, SF 3803, was assigned Thursday to the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee.

Minnesota’s legislative session is scheduled to run through May 20, and while there is no crossover deadline, bills originating in non-fiscal committees must pass by March 22, while bills from fiscal committees must pass by April 19.

Minnesota’s tribes have already taken a wait-and-see posture. To this end, Andy Platto, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, released the following statement, according to KARE-11:

“The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) supports state efforts to authorize sports wagering both at tribal gaming properties and through online/mobile platforms. Tribes are best positioned to provide this new offering to the state’s consumers. MIGA and its members will be closely following the progress of state legislation and look forward to working with other stakeholders to develop an approach that benefits Minnesotans while protecting the Indian gaming operations that tribal and rural communities rely on for jobs and economic health.”

Source: Sportshandle

Preview Image: Shutterstock 

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