In some states, the legalization of sports betting was a quick process following the Supreme Court's decision in 2018. However, other states are still caught in a loop of discussions among lawmakers and different interest groups.
Minnesota falls into the latter category, as the state continues to figure out the best approach to establishing legal sports betting.
This isn’t Minnesota’s first attempt to legalize sports betting; in fact, legislators had hoped to have it approved by the time football season rolled around in 2018. 1 Fast forward five years, and the struggle over sports betting continues without resolution in the state.
Will 2023 finally be the year that we see Minnesota online gambling What went awry in 2022 with the push for legal sports betting? Let’s analyze the setbacks from last year and assess the current situation regarding sports betting in Minnesota.
The Attempt to Legalize Sports Betting in Minnesota Faces Challenges in 2022
Last year, there was much hope in Minnesota that sports betting would finally be approved. Regrettably, key political figures and stakeholders are still grappling with how to establish the legal framework for sports betting.
On May 12, 2022, the Minnesota House of Representatives cast their votes on a sports betting proposal. The House approved it with a 70-57 vote, which would have allowed Minnesota residents over 21 to engage in online sports betting through Native American sportsbooks. 2 .
This vote gave a glimpse of hope for the future of sports betting in Minnesota, but the details of the bill did not sit well with tribal leaders.
As per the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, there are 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota, which collectively operate 19 major casinos throughout the region. 3 .
Due to their status as a lottery operator in the state, various tribal groups possess significant influence.
The tribal reluctance regarding the bill's provisions meant that the sports betting legislation struggled to gain momentum, leaving bettors disappointed after the initial optimism following the House vote.
The primary concerns of the tribes revolved around exclusive licensing rights and the potential for racetracks to receive a share of the revenue. Ongoing disputes about these matters threaten to prolong the absence of sports betting in Minnesota.
Indigenous tribes demand total control over sports betting in the state of Minnesota.
The tribal casinos are advocating for ultimate control over sports betting operations, aiming to minimize governmental oversight.
Additionally, these tribes are not in favor of competing with commercial gambling establishments that might be granted licenses, particularly racetracks in Minnesota eager to engage in the sports betting market.
Last year's proposed legislation encouraged tribal casinos to establish their own sportsbooks or collaborate with external operators. 4 However, forging partnerships with third-party online gambling platforms is not a viable option for tribal casinos in Minnesota.
As stated by the Executive Director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association:
We have consistently opposed the expansion of non-tribal commercial gaming and intend to maintain that stance. 5
Their message to the state is straightforward: grant us control over legal sports betting in Minnesota while preventing external entities from interfering. They wish to keep outside influences away while preserving their tribal autonomy.
If this condition were satisfied, all 11 tribes in Minnesota would readily endorse a sports betting proposal. Fortunately, there is a potential legislative solution that could satisfy the interests of all tribes involved.
A bill backed by Representative Zack Stephenson in 2023 could serve as a promising avenue to appease the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. However, there is also an alternative proposal from State Senator Jeremy Miller that is currently developing.
Exclusive Rights for Sports Betting in Minnesota
Stephenson is making it a priority to address the needs of tribal casinos. With a Democrat majority in the Legislature, there is an inclination that Native American tribes should take charge of sports betting operations. 6 .
According to State Rep. Stephenson, \"For significant expansion of gaming in Minnesota, it’s beneficial to work with our long-standing partners. The tribes have been successfully managing gaming in Minnesota longer and at a superior level than any other entities. They are our most rigorously regulated gaming operators." 7
This declaration is likely to resonate positively with tribal gaming operators. Nonetheless, it is important to note that Stephenson’s proposal appears quite similar to the one that was presented in the previous year. A significant hurdle that arose in 2022 involved the participation of racetracks in sports betting.
Republicans, who held Senate power last year, were resistant to excluding racetracks from the sports betting framework, particularly wanting to issue sports betting licenses to Running Aces and Canterbury Park. 8 .
While Stephenson’s recent statements haven’t directly acknowledged the ongoing tension between tribal casinos and racetracks, there is a possibility that without resolving this conflict, the sports betting initiative in 2023 may again face delays.
Republican state Sen. @jeremyrmiller He has expressed intentions to propose sports betting legislation.
The proposed approach would involve tribes, racetracks, and professional sports teams participating in the market.
Democrats want a tribes-only bill. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/Rmm4Yiwlje
— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) January 31, 2023
Senator Jeremy Miller Advocates for Including Racetracks and Sports Teams
The Republican senator is open about his support for allowing Running Aces and Canterbury Park access to sports betting. Moreover, he seeks to integrate sports betting opportunities in arenas where professional sports teams compete.
Under Miller’s proposed Minnesota Sports Betting Act, the 11 federally recognized Native American tribes would have the ability to conduct in-person sports betting as well as obtain licenses for online gambling. Additionally, a clause would permit partnerships with racetracks or sports teams for mobile betting options. 9 .
Miller asserts that a sports betting bill in Minnesota must include racetracks if it is to gain approval in the Senate. While the tribes are aiming for exclusive rights for sports betting in the state, Miller argues that this is not a feasible approach.
In this context, the state’s proposal concerning racetracks has not significantly deviated from last year’s introduction.
There is substantial enthusiasm for the Minnesota Sports Betting Act. I conducted numerous interviews last week and have even more lined up for this week. It’s time to bring this matter to conclusion! pic.twitter.com/F94PHydPmw
— Jeremy Miller (@jeremyrmiller) February 6, 2023
Will the State or Tribes Compromise?
A resolution needs to emerge from the ongoing dispute between tribes, racetracks, and the government. For any sports betting bill to succeed in Minnesota, some concessions will be essential.
The tribes firmly oppose running sports betting with racing tracks on board, while the bill proposed by State Senator Jeremy Miller, ironically, is moving in the opposite direction.
So, what can we expect for the future of sports betting in Minnesota in 2023?
It seems likely that we will endure a repetition of the same arguments and discussions. There’s a good chance that Minnesota will find itself in a similar predicament next year as it does now.
Minnesota Residents Can Still Engage in Online Sports Betting
Even though Minnesota cannot achieve a consensus on a legal sports betting infrastructure, it doesn't mean that its residents can't engage in sports wagering. There are numerous options available for Minnesotans to place their bets successfully. safe online casinos All it requires is a few minutes to sign up and make an initial deposit, and these online casinos additionally provide attractive bonuses for newcomers, which are advantageous for Minnesota residents.
1. SCOTUS sports betting: How soon could MN legalize gambling? Retrieved From
Sources
2. House OKs legislation legalizing sports betting. Retrieved From https://www.twincities.com/2018/05/14/how-soon-will-we-see-sports-betting-legalized-in-minnesota-one-lawmaker-hopes-before-nfl-season/
3. Minnesota Indian Gaming Tribes and Casinos. Retrieved From https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17445
4. Lawmakers and gambling advocates will push for legal sports betting in 2023. Retrieved From https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17445
6. DFL claims 2023 sports betting initiatives will empower Minnesota's tribes. Retrieved From https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/01/06/lawmakers-gambling-interests-to-make-another-push-for-legal-sports-betting-in-2023/
5. MIGA Letter on HF778. Retrieved From https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/MIGA-Letter-on-HF778-5-18-22.pdf
7. DFL claims 2023 sports betting initiatives will empower Minnesota's tribes. Retrieved From https://www.fox9.com/news/dfl-says-2023-sports-betting-push-will-put-minnesotas-tribes-in-charge
8. Minnesota House passes sports betting bill; the GOP-controlled Senate remains in conflict. Retrieved From https://www.fox9.com/news/dfl-says-2023-sports-betting-push-will-put-minnesotas-tribes-in-charge
9. Prepare for another sports betting proposal at the State Capitol. Retrieved From https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/minnesota-lawmakers-remain-at-odds-over-house-sports-betting-bill/89-91d09b1f-3c79-44f8-aa3d-2a218f8ed18b
Rick Rockwell has over 14 years of professional sports writing experience. As an accredited media personality for significant sporting events, he has built a comprehensive portfolio of projects and clients around the globe. His breadth of knowledge and dive into the world of sports and betting is extensive. Whether he's delving into auto racing or grappling, Rick imparts thorough insights in each piece he writes. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/place-your-bets-another-sports-gambling-bill-to-be-introduced-at-state-capitol-minnesota/89-316a0bed-2381-41a1-81ea-b7120bdf2dc4
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