Three Sports Betting Bills Introduced in Minnesota Legislature

Residents of The Land of 10,000 Lakes may soon be able to bet on sports legally.

The Minnesota Legislature has seen three sports betting bills introduced. Each bill is similar but significantly different regarding who can offer sports betting. One proposal would give sole rights to local tribes, another would have both tribes and commercial entities provide sports betting, and the last would have the state run the industry. 

The state-run proposal is one of the most intriguing. This would help maximize the amount the state receives and better protect residents from aggressive marketing tactics. However, we saw Washington, D.C., attempt this and fail miserably, making the move a significant risk.

Another benefit of the bill proposing a state-run market is the negotiation process between the tribes and non-tribal entities seeking to offer sports betting. The two sides have clashed throughout this process, though things have been better recently. The idea of a state-run market where both parties would be cut out should give them plenty of reason to find an agreement.

Lawmakers believe the three proposals will help move the process forward and determine which has the best chance of becoming law. 

Opposition is Already Underway

In anticipation of these three bills, some Minnesota lawmakers have begun holding hearings on the industry's dangers. The focus has been on the risks and consequences of problem gambling and on questions about how much money the state would actually see from a legal market.

The goal is to educate the public before sports betting proponents argue for legalization in 2025. Legal sports betting has been popular with the public, meaning the state could be very close to passing a bill to legalize the industry.

The issue opponents will likely run into is the prevalence of offshore sportsbooks in the state. Many residents have been betting with these operators, putting themselves in danger without the protection of the state and federal government. The state doesn’t see anything from this activity, making it a net loss for everyone.