Minnesota Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) has announced his intention to introduce the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0 during the upcoming legislative session, commencing on February 12. The updated sports betting legislation aims to address various aspects related to sports wagering, currently illegal, in the state.
The initial framework of the bill includes licensing opportunities for Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, allowing them to offer both retail and mobile sports betting. It also outlines a 15% tax rate on sports betting revenue, with the proceeds directed towards providing tax relief for local charities.
Additionally, the bill proposes the reintroduction of free plays and bonus games on electronic pull-tabs, which are also considered charitable gaming options in the state.
Senator Miller emphasized that the updated version of the bill is designed to bring stakeholders and legislators from both sides of the aisle together in an effort to legalize sports betting in Minnesota.
“Changes made to electronic pull tabs last session raised significant concerns from charities across the state. Restoring some of the functions that were eliminated in last year’s omnibus tax bill would address some of their concerns,” he stated, as per FOX 9.
The legislation will incorporate feedback gathered from constituents, legislators, and various stakeholders, as per the announcement.
The path to legalized sports betting in Minnesota has been a prolonged and occasionally contentious one. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers supported measures including “tribal exclusivity,” giving native tribes sole licenses for sportsbooks in their casinos and the rights to partner with mobile app vendors.
The proposed tax rate in 2023 was 10%, with an estimated $30 million in annual revenue earmarked for addressing problem gambling and supporting youth athletics.
However, GOP lawmakers have indicated support for broader competition and the availability of licenses for other businesses. Senator Miller’s updated proposal aims to combine ideas from previous legislation and foster a bipartisan solution for legalizing sports betting in Minnesota.
“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,” Sen. Miller said in the announcement.
“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.”
The push for legalized sports betting in the state reflects a nationwide trend since the 2018 United States Supreme Court ruling that overturned a federal law restricting commercial sports gambling. As of now, 38 states and Washington D.C. have legalized sports betting. In 2023, U.S. sports betting revenues surpassed $100 billion.
