Minnesota Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) has revealed plans to introduce a bill that would allow both on-site and mobile sports betting in the state.
Speaking to local news, Miller said:
“It’s time to authorize sports betting in Minnesota. As other states move to authorize sports betting, Minnesota is falling behind. We are the only state in the region where it remains fully illegal to bet on sports. The Minnesota Sports Betting Act is a fair and responsible proposal to authorize sports betting here in Minnesota. This proposal is good for the tribes, it’s good for the horse racing tracks, it’s good for the professional sports teams, and most importantly, it’s good for the folks who would like to bet on sports here in Minnesota. This is long overdue and it’s time to get it done!”
Support for legalizing sports betting in Minnesota has gathered pace in recent years and legislation was even approved by the Minnesota House, but was held up in the Senate. However, there is a renewed hope that this will be the year that a bill is finally passed, despite opposition from both parties.
According to a KSTP/SurveyUSA poll conducted in April 2022, 64% of Minnesotans surveyed expressed their support for legalizing sports betting and 57% felt that mobile sports betting should also be permitted.
The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) has previously opposed prior versions of the bill. Despite not immediately responding to Miller’s proposal, MIGA did release a statement at the beginning of the current legislative session, saying:
“(MIGA) and its 10 member tribal nations support 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.”
Miller’s proposal would allow tribes to offer on-site betting, as well as the state’s two horse racing tracks and each professional sports team. Additionally, tribes would have the option to obtain a primary mobile license and collaborate with a race track or sports team through a partnership mobile license. Major events such as the Super Bowl would be eligible to receive a temporary license to provide on-site sports betting.
Miller’s proposal will see revenue generated from sports betting divided equally among tax relief for charities, funding for mental health and problem gambling services, major sports events, and grants for youth sports programs.
The latest push for legal sports betting comes as revenues across the country continue to soar and more states, including Minnesota’s neighbors, are rushing to legalize it. Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota already permit some form of sports betting, and North Dakota is following suit.
Miller said that the bill would be introduced in the coming days.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.