Online sports betting in Minnesota

Minnesota is trying to join other states in legalizing sports betting, but there continues to be hurdles and delays since the Supreme Court decision on May 14, 2018 struck down the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA). Minnesota is a big underdog to have sports betting legislation approved by the end of 2019, but ongoing discussions with the states tribes provide optimism for 2020.

States can now legalize sports betting with legislative approval. But Minnesota has to have tribal approval. Tribes have significant leverage with Minnesota lawmakers, as the tribes are the primary stakeholders in the Minnesota gambling industry.

When the state gets approval to bet sports, residents will be able to place wagers at one of the 19 gambling establishments operated by the tribes in Minnesota. Residents would be able to bet on pro and college sports including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, boxing, UFC and other types of sports.

Legislation updates on sports betting in Minnesota

The Safe and Regulated Sports Gambling Act of 2019 was proposed in February, with a proposed 0.5% tax on handle. House representative Pat Garofalo, an avid sports gambler, says “sports gambling is going to be legal in Minnesota,” but he can’t guarantee when.

A five-member Minnesota Sports Wagering Commission would be created to oversee rules and regulations for the tribal casinos.

Minnesota tribes want sports betting to take place only within their casinos. Those 19 casinos and gambling establishments are operated by 11 federally recognized tribes. Mobile wagering would have to take place on site, and any future expansion of mobile wagering would have to be approved by the tribes.