The state of Minnesota is one of the last remaining sports betting holdouts following the repeal of PASPA in 2018. 38 US states and Washington, D.C., permit at least one form of sports betting, and MN could be the next to join in on the action.
Three bills regarding legal sports betting in Minnesota are circulating in the state legislature at the moment, but opponents have stalled their progress.
The opposition cites problem gambling and the addictive qualities of online betting as the reasons to vote down any efforts to legalize sportsbooks.
Those in favor of the measures purport that online sports betting is already ongoing within the state. Locals are able to access offshore sportsbook sites and gamble without fear of penalty.
The reason is that these sportsbooks are located overseas, outside the jurisdiction of Minnesota and the United States federal government. When local gamblers place bets with these international betting sites, those revenues travel out of state and do not benefit MN taxpayers.
Other alternatives are presented by the states surrounding MN. Residents can travel to these states to place a bet at one of their domestic sportsbooks and return home without breaking any laws.
States Minnesota Shares A Border With
- North Dakota – ND has domestic sportsbooks located at three tribal casinos.
- South Dakota – Sports betting is allowed at retail sportsbooks located in the tourist town of Deadwood.
- Iowa – IA features online sports betting, mobile sportsbook apps, and in-person retail locations.
- Wisconsin – WI has two brick-and-mortar sportsbooks located at tribal casinos.
None of the following bills were able to pass through the Senate State and Local Government Committee last week, potentially derailing any potential for passage this session.
MN SF757
- This bill would allow the state’s tribes to offer sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS).
- The minimum age would be set to 21 years old.
- The tax rate on sports betting revenue would be 22%, and DFS revenue would be taxed at 15%.
- No prop bets on college sports.
MN SF978
- This bill intends to allow local tribes to offer mobile sports betting.
- Up to 11 mobile sportsbook licenses will be available for application.
- Minimum age of 21 to bet using sportsbook apps.
MN SF1124 – Minnesota Sports Betting 3.0 Act
- 11 mobile sportsbook licenses will be offered to the state’s class III tribal casinos.
- A 20% tax on all sports betting revenue.
- State racetracks would get a share of revenues due to their exclusion from the sports betting market.
- Advertising restrictions. Ads must include problem gambling hotline information.
- The minimum sports betting age will be set at 21 years old.
The 2025 regular session in MN will end on May 19th.
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