The Minnesota Senate is currently considering a new bill that would legalize sports betting exclusively for the state’s tribes.
Under the proposed bill, tribes would have the exclusive authority to operate brick-and-mortar and mobile sports betting operations, and residents of Minnesota would be able to place bets at their respective tribal casinos or anywhere else in the state using a mobile app.
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Racetracks in the state would oppose the bill because they would be prevented from running sports betting operations if it were passed.
Representatives from Canterbury Park and Running Aces have expressed concerns that the bill does not reflect the interests of the tribal government, racetracks, and sports teams.
The proposed bill, submitted by Representative Zach Stephenson, would authorize the state’s eleven tribes to operate sports wagering.
Online sportsbook providers such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars would be able to secure their proportionate share of the newly authorized sports betting market if they entered into a cooperation with one of the local tribes.
The MN House and Senate have a joint proposal for legalized sports betting in MN. They say they’ve reached agreement with the Minnesota Indian Gaming Assoc and local professional sports teams. MN horse tracks are left out of the agreement. Details tonight on 5 Eyewitness News. pic.twitter.com/UTgbfVXSNR
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) February 21, 2023
The tax rate on operator revenue would be 10%, generating between $10 million and $12 million annually for the state.
20% of this revenue would be allocated for regulations and consumer protection,40% would go toward problem gambling, and the remaining 40% would be used to fund youth sports and other youth programs, prioritizing communities with high rates of youth crime.
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Despite traditionally taking a stance against any kind of gambling expansion, the Minnesota Native Gaming Association (MIGA) wrote a letter of support for the measure.
Officials from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Twins, and United Football Club also issued a joint statement in support of the bill.
Minnesota pro sports announces agreement with state Indian tribes over sports betting pic.twitter.com/dmVAgRwr2a
— Peter Callaghan (@CallaghanPeter) February 21, 2023
The proposed bill is still being considered by the House Committee on Commerce, Finance, and Policy and is not expected to be ready for a vote on the House floor before April.
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