The Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee has given its approval to a bill that would legalize sports betting in the state while prohibiting some gambling devices at horse racing tracks.
Lawmakers now have just six legislative days of the current session to approve the bill and legalize sports betting in Minnesota.
The committee approved a move to bring the language of HF2000 – which covers sports betting – into bill HF5274 which places an outright ban on historical horse race wagering machines.
Rep. Zack Stephenson who sponsors both bills has stated that the legalization of sports betting is the best way to combat illegal sports wagering in the state.
“It is unlawful to engage in sports betting in Minnesota today, and it happens every single day in extreme amounts. We will be transitioning people from the black market into a legitimate marketplace.”
Bill Highlights
- Licenses granted to 11 tribal nations
- Betting available at retail sportsbooks on tribal lands
- Mobile betting allowed but only on tribal lands
- Legal age limit of 21
- eSports included in allowed sports
- No horse race wagering allowed through sportsbooks
- No betting on youth sports allowed
- Some forms of Fantasy contest betting allowed
- 20% tax on sports betting revenue
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.