Minnesota Sports Betting: Outlook for December 2024

Is Sports betting in Minnesota legal?

The answer is plain and simple. No, sports betting is not legal in Minnesota. When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in May 2018, every state gained the right to determine the legality of sports betting. 

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota Statutes, specifically sections 609.75 and 609.76, came into effect. According to these, placing a bet in the state of Minnesota constitutes a felony. By default, both sports betting and online gambling are illegal. The only permissible forms are the state lottery, horse racing, and lawful gambling (charitable gambling like bingo and raffles).

Interestingly, Minnesota was very close to legalizing sports betting in 2022 after several failed attempts. In March 2022, lawmakers introduced House File 778, a bill that would have allowed sports betting in Minnesota’s tribal casinos and licensed online sportsbooks. The bill passed a few committees and the House of Representatives, but the Senate declined to vote on it before adjourning for 2022 in late May. 

In part, the bill failed to become a reality due to a disagreement between the lawmakers and the state tribes. The bill was amended to allow sports teams and racetracks to seek licenses for their own Minnesota sportsbooks, which led the tribes to pull their support. 

The year 2023 brought forth supporting bills (HF 2000 and SF 1949) that would give Minnesota tribes exclusivity over the sports betting market, but nothing came of it. In essence, there are still lawmakers who are fully opposed to sports betting.

The outlook for 2024 was initially quite optimistic, and for good reason. State tribes, tracks, charities, and local sports teams are all committed to getting something done, which is certainly meaningful. Unfortunately, sports betting in Minnesota will have to wait until 2025, as the bill did not pass in time and will now have to wait until the next legislative session.

Notable Minnesota sports betting developments

Although sports betting in Minnesota is not legal, lawmakers constantly debate the subject and introduce or discuss potential new bills. None have resulted in full sports betting legalization, but the fact that there’s a lot of interest and dialogue on the matter is enough for many fans to remain hopeful. 

Let’s review the latest news and take a look at how things developed over the last years and months:

• January 2021 — A few sports betting bills are introduced but fail to move forward. 

• February 16, 2022 — Minnesota finally has bipartisan support for retail and online sports betting. 

• February 18, 2022 — DraftKings includes Minnesota as a target market for its online sportsbook. 

• March 8, 2022 — A new sports betting legislation is introduced, House File 778. 

• March 24, 2022 — The Minnesota House of Representatives State Government Finance and Elections Committee moves HF 778 forward, followed by the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. 

• May 12, 2022 — Minnesota House of Representatives votes in favor of HF 778 with 70 votes in favor and 57 against.

• May 23, 2022 — The state Senate declines to vote on HF 778 and adjourns for the year. 

• September 18, 2022 — A poll shows Minnesotan’s stance on sports betting (48% are in favor, 33% are against, and 19% are neutral). 

• January 4, 2023 — The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association voices its support for sports betting at tribal casinos again. 

• February 20, 2023 — Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Zack Stephenson have introduced sports betting companion bills SF 1949 and HF 2000. The bill gives MN tribes exclusivity over sports betting in the state. 

• March 29, 2023 — DraftKings launches a horse-branded app in Minnesota. 

• May 22, 2023 — The MN House and Senate 2023 regular session adjourns without voting on the latest bills. Discussions can resume in 2024. Lawmakers like Sen. Scott Dibble voice concerns over sports betting negatively affecting low-income communities. 

• June 27, 2023 — MN sports betting proponents are optimistic that the practice could become legal in 2024. 

• January 26, 2024 — Sen. Jeremy Miller speaks optimistically about legalizing sports betting in Minnesota this year ahead of the state's next legislative session scheduled for Feb. 12. Sen. Matt Klein and Sen. John Jasinski also spoke about prioritizing the legalization of sports betting.

• June 28, 2024 — Governor Tim Waltz appoints two new members to the state Racing Commission, raising questions about a potential conflict of interest.

• Nov. 22, 2024 — Following the U.S. presidential election earlier this month, online sports betting legalization in Minnesota looking increasingly in doubt with a potentially split state House of Representatives.

Minnesota sports betting: legal quick facts

Expected Minnesota sportsbooks

We still have no idea whether sports betting will be legalized in 2024, but if it does, you can expect a large number of sportsbooks to apply for licenses. 

That said, we’re still unclear on how many operators will eventually appear on the market. However, since neighboring Iowa has as many as 17 with a lower population, and Minnesota features 11 tribes with 19 casinos, you can expect the number of MN sportsbooks to be as high as 19. The biggest contenders for the top five spots are right below.

DraftKings 👑

DraftKings is likely the biggest contender for the potential Minnesota sports betting market. It’s already present in the state with its DFS and horse racing apps. Plus, the DraftKings management has already stated that Minnesota is a target market for their sports betting platform. The sportsbook offers a top-notch betting experience and a user-friendly interface while covering many sports leagues and tournaments. 

• App Store Ratings: 4.8 (App Store) and 4.7 (Google Play)

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 60 minutes to 7 days

Possible Minnesota Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook Review

FanDuel 🔵

FanDuel is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US, almost always available alongside DraftKings. It’s one of the most trusted sportsbooks on the market, renowned for its unique live-streaming feature. The operator extensively covers sporting events, offering high odds and a great selection of betting markets. On top of that, you can always expect a wide range of valuable promos.

• App Store Ratings: 4.7 (App Store) and 4.7 (Google Play)

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–10 business days

Possible Minnesota Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook Review

BetMGM 🦁

BetMGM is a well-rounded sports betting app available in a large number of states. It has a strong brand presence in most markets, so it’s undoubtedly one of the biggest contenders for a spot in the future Minnesota sports bettingsector. The site is user-friendly with a modern and high-quality design. BetMGM offers a lot of betting markets on events in a variety of sports, while the odds are highly competitive. 

• App Store Ratings: 4.8 (App Store) and 4.4 (Google Play)

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days

Possible Minnesota Sportsbook: BetMGM Sportsbook Review

Caesars 🏛

Caesars is another major gambling brand with a dedicated sportsbook in over 20 states, including neighboring Iowa and Michigan. It’s praised for its banking system and security, in addition to its generous welcome packages. If it were to launch in Minnesota, which is a big possibility once sports betting becomes legal, you can expect the same level of quality. 

• App Store Ratings: 4.6 (App Store) and 4.2 (Google Play)

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–5 business days

Possible Minnesota Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook Review

BetRivers ⚡

BetRivers is another sportsbook operating in a large number of states. It is looking to expand, and a newly established market would certainly be an interesting choice. The sports betting platform enjoys a stellar reputation and lets you bet on over 20 sports and a massive range of events. You can also expect a good deal of weekly promos, including popular boosted odd offers. 

• App Store Ratings: 4.4 (App Store) and 2.9 (Google Play)

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–14 business days

Possible Minnesota Sportsbook: BetRivers Sportsbook Review

Minnesota sports betting neighbors

Minnesota might not have a legal sports betting market yet, but some of its neighbors do. It’s good to know what’s happening in your vicinity, as it can also be a useful indication of whether your state will finally do a 180. 

Let’s look at the situation in the states surrounding Minnesota, including Iowa and Michigan. 

Michigan

Michigan sports betting is one of the biggest sports betting states in the region that launched its market in 2020 with the opening of MGM Grand Detroit. Now, the state has 13 legal sportsbooks and over 20 retail sports betting locations. 

Besides full sports betting, Michigan is one of the few states with legal online casinos. Moreover, it regularly finishes in the top 10 in terms of monthly handles from betting. 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin sports betting is one of the states where retail sports betting is legal, but it is not available on mobile devices. 

The Oneida tribe has had a monopoly on sports betting since the activity became legal in July 2021. Oneida Casino in Green Bay is still the only location with a retail sportsbook. However, there are plans for sportsbooks to open in Mole Lake Casino and Lodge and the Menominee Casino Resort. 

Iowa

Iowa sports betting is one of the early adopters of sports betting, having fully legalized it in August 2019. The state has both retail and online sports betting. Interestingly, it also mandated in-person registration for online accounts, but this requirement ended in 2021. 

Iowa has some of the lowest licensing fees, which explains why the state boasts 17 different online sportsbooks, even though the population is only around 3.1 million. Bettors from Minnesota and other surrounding states without legal sports betting regularly come to Iowa to play.

South Dakota

Retail sports betting has been legal in South Dakota since November 2020, with the only location in the city of Deadwood, where most retail casinos are as well. 

To place a bet, South Dakotans need to visit one of several casinos with sportsbooks on the premises. Some of these are Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort, Dakota Connection, and Dakota Sioux Casino. 

North Dakota

North Dakota is one of the few states where no sports betting legislation exists, but bettors can still wager legally. Namely, the state’s tribes have decided to open retail sportsbooks, which is their right according to federal law. 

Some of these sportsbooks are close to the Minnesota border, including Dakota Magic Casino, Rumors, The Bowler, and Turf Club. 

Minnesota sports betting step-by-step start guide

Sports betting in Minnesota may not be legal right now, but once it arrives, the online sportsbooks will still feature similar registration and betting processes. We have already seen how this works at major sportsbooks available in other states, as their sites are largely the same across the board. 

With that in mind, here’s how you’ll be able to start betting once the market launches.

Select a Sportsbook Licensed in Minnesota

You’ll need to pick a licensed Minnesota sportsbook first. Once the market is legalized, there will likely be several, so you’ll have to check their features to find the one that suits you the most. You’ll want to consider aspects like the variety of sports and betting markets, quality of promotions, the size of the welcome bonus, odds competitiveness, payout speed, and more. 

Register an Account

Once you’ve chosen the sportsbook, visit the official site. Click the Register/Join/Sign-Up button and follow the registration procedure. You’ll have to provide your personal details, confirm your location, and verify your phone number or email. All of this takes only a few minutes. 

Deposit and Claim the Bonus

Head over to the deposit section and pick a payment method. You’ll need to opt-in for the welcome bonus or enter a promo code if you want to claim it and deposit the required amount. It’s best to read the bonus terms before you begin so you know what to expect. 

Choose and Place a Bet

Now that you have the funds, head over to the betting section and select the sport you’re interested in. Browse through the events on offer and pick the one you want to bet on. Review the available betting markets, and once you’ve made your choice, you only need to click the corresponding odds to populate the bet slip. Input the amount you want to bet and confirm the wager. 

Withdraw Your Payout

Once you’ve won enough wagers and completed the rollover requirements from the bonus (if you were using it), you can request a withdrawal. Visit the Withdrawal tab and pick a payment method. Input the amount you want to cash out and the required information. Confirm the payout and wait for the site to approve it and transfer the money. 

Minnesota sports leagues and teams to bet on

Minnesota is home to many professional and semi-professional sports teams. Each of the big four leagues features a team from Minnesota. The state is also home to a WNBA team called Minnesota Lynx, who’ve won four championships by now, and Minnesota United FC, a Major League Soccer franchise. Most teams come from Minneapolis, and interestingly, all are named after the state. 

It’s worth noting that Minnesota had other pro teams in the past. The best example is the Minneapolis Lakers, an NBA franchise that eventually moved to Los Angeles, becoming the Lakers we all know. They even won the NBA championship several times before moving to LA in 1960. 

Sports betting by category

Check out our resources on the best sportsbook for specific sports and leagues:

Minnesota sports betting and the taxman

The latest sports betting bill, HF 778, proposed a 10% tax on the operators. As for the bettors, you should know that gambling winnings are subject to state income tax between 5.25% and 9.85%, based on your marital status and income. Gambling winnings are also subject to federal taxes. 

At the moment, state taxes apply to gambling winnings from legal options, but once sports betting is legalized, the same rates will likely apply. They already pertain to profits from horse racing betting. 

What’s missing from Minnesota sports betting?

As in most states with legal sports betting, Minnesotans will likely be able to bet on all sports events. However, some options can be off-limits, so let’s review how that might work in Minnesota.

Politics ❌

Politics is almost always unavailable to US bettors, which is very likely to be the case in Minnesota. In other words, you won’t get the chance to bet on the midterms or the presidential elections like bettors from some other countries can. 

Entertainment Award Ceremonies ❌

Entertainment award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, or the MTV Awards are not part of the latest bill. They will likely remain off-limits even if we eventually get a new betting law. 

Esports ✅

Bill 778, which is still in play, states that esports are allowed as long as they meet certain criteria. Consequently, Minnesotans will likely get the chance to bet on esports competitions that include Fortnite, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Rocket League, and Apex Legends. 

What About Daily Fantasy Sports? 

You can’t find DFS in the current Minnesota gambling laws, and the latest sports betting bill doesn’t include them, either. However, fantasy sports are different from regular sports betting, and DFS sites can still operate in states that don’t have official regulations. The same applies to Minnesota, where you can access DFS sites like DraftKings and FanDuel. Check out the remaining best DFS sites here. 

Minnesota college sports betting 🎓

It’s likely that Minnesota sports betting will include college sports, though the latest bill doesn’t mention them explicitly. 

Whatever the case, betting on in-state college teams may remain off-limits, as in many states, unless the teams play in competitions outside the borders. 

Responsible Minnesota sports betting

Sports betting may not be legal in Minnesota at the moment, but the state certainly takes problem gambling seriously. It is important for bettors to do the same, as gambling issues can quickly creep in if you’re not careful. You need to limit the time and money you spend on gambling, and you should never chase your losses. 

Once the market becomes legal, the licensed Minnesota sportsbooks will be obliged to offer various responsible gambling tools. These include cool-off periods, deposit, loss, and bet limits, along with self-exclusion options.

As for other state-wide tools, you can find resources and toll-free phone lines on the sites of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Minnesota

Some bettors from Minnesota and other states without licensed online sportsbooks go for offshore platforms. In many cases, this results in problems for bettors because there is no protection when a sportsbook decides not to pay, not award a bonus, or downright close their account without reason. It’s best to avoid offshore sportsbooks and opt for platforms in neighboring states or DFS and sweepstake sites. 

To illustrate the problem of using offshore sports betting sites in Minnesota, here’s a quick overview of the most notorious platforms we urge our readers to avoid. We also have a Worst Online Sportsbooks List you can use as a reference of sites to stay away from. 

List of Minnesota sports betting resources

Minnesota General Assembly — State legislature

Office of the Attorney General — Minnesota General Attorney’s Office

Minnesota Legal Services — Easy access to Minnesota's legal information

National Council on Problem Gambling — Resources for those affected by problem gambling

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.