Minnesota Taking Another Crack at Legal Sports Betting in 2024

It looks as though the subject of legal sports betting will be back on the legislative table when Minnesota gavels in on their 2024 legislative session.

The idea of a legal sports betting platform is not a new one in the North Star State. Many of the same characters are back in the attempt to revitalize an effort to get such legislation over the finish line in 2024. And many of the same problems persist this year as they did in 2023, when a similar sports betting bill failed to get over the finish line.

One thing that is certain is that when the next Minnesota legislative session commenced Feb. 12, sports betting will be a hot topic, despite all parties involved not seeming like they are on the same page just yet.

Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0

The latest effort to legalize sports betting in Minnesota has been dubbed "Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0" by Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), author of the Bill. It aims to legalize retail and mobile sports betting in the state.

A total of 11 critical of the best sports betting apps would be granted to the 11 tribal nations that call Minnesota home, with professional sports venues in the states gaining the opportunity to open retail facilities. 

Sports betting revenues would be taxed at 15% and be used for educational programs in the state, for youth sports initiatives, for tax relief for local charities and for the ability to raise the profile of horse racing in the state.

But...

Despite the optimism, there is a standing issue between the state's horse racing track and the state's tribes, and pro sports teams about just who should control the best sportsbooks in the state. 

The state's tribes claim that they should hold power over the industry in the state, the professional sports teams feel that they have a right to control the operations of such a platform, and the horse racing tracks want their own sports betting licensing opportunities. 

It is a long standing battle that must be resolved before any sports betting bill in the state can move forward.

Back to that optimism

The possible benefits of betting sites in Minnesota are not lost on legislators that will be spearheading the legislative push in the state.

“Minnesota continues to miss out on what is now a $100 billion industry,“ Sen. Jeremy Miller said in a press release. “So far, 38 other states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have already legalized sports betting. This updated proposal combines ideas from my original Minnesota Sports Betting Act along with provisions from other sports betting bills that were introduced last session. It also includes ideas brought forward by constituents and stakeholders. The goal of this proposal is to bring folks together to work toward a bipartisan solution to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. I strongly believe we can get it done this year.”

Sen. Matt Klein who authored last year's attempt said: "This is a short session. This is a priority of the caucus. It's a priority of the legislature and of the people of Minnesota."

Sen. Jasinski (R-Faribault) acknowledged the realization that: "It's already happening in Minnesota. You already have the books happening right now. There are no limits on those. I think we need to stay competitive with what's going on there now."

The chances

Last year's legal sports betting legalization attempts in Minnesota were unsuccessful but legislators in 2024 are signaling that the platform would be a major issue in the upcoming session. Neighboring states continue to reap the financial benefits of legal sports betting and that message seems to finally be getting through to lawmakers in the state.

But until there is some common ground among all parties, it could be an uphill climb. Most are hoping that cooler heads prevail and that something gets done quickly in this year’s Minnesota legislative session.

Stay tuned!