Minnesota Sports Betting in 2024
Legal Minnesota sports betting remains elusive. The most recent attempt to bring lawful wagering to the Land of 10,000 Lakes fell short. Minnesota has many tribal casinos that could potentially house retail Minnesota sportsbooks and accommodate mobile betting sites — 11 tribes operate 19 casinos throughout the state.
Our guide will keep you informed about everything you need to know about Minnesota sports betting in 2024.
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Minnesota sports betting updates
The more regulators and casino operators discuss the topic, the more it seems that legal Minnesota sports betting will become a reality soon. Still, sports wagering has been on the agenda for years with little to no movement.
Here's a brief look at important dates in Minnesota's march to legalize sports betting:
Aug. 7, 2024: Minnesota's tribal leaders still expect pro-gaming policies if Governor Tim Walz is elected vice president.
May 30, 2024: While the legalization of Minnesota sports betting fell short, Indian Gaming Association officials remain optimistic.
May 20, 2024: Minnesota fails in bring legal sports betting in 2024 after the latest bill was not voted on in the House of Representatives.
May 1, 2024: Minnesota's prospects for legal sports betting dims for 2024 after committee members' recently amended and removed all sports betting provisions from the state's current bill.
April 5, 2024: Minnesota pro-sports betting legislator won't support historic horse racing machines.
March 14, 2024: Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee advances sports betting bill, but time is running out.
March 7, 2024: Senator Jordan Rasmusson's recent amendment to remove in-game wagering from the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0 could potentially halt the bill's positive progress toward legalization.
Feb. 13, 2024: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he's ready to sign a sports betting bill if legislature ever passes one.
Jan. 18, 2024: Senator Jeremy Miller releases the 'Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0' and will introduce the new bill during the upcoming legislative session.
Jan. 16, 2024: Rep. Pat Garofalo, Minnesota's sports betting advocate, won't seek re-election in 2024, causing a crushing setback for legalization in the North Star State.
March 29, 2023: DraftKings launches its standalone DK Horse-branded app, allowing Minnesota sports betting parties to access pari-mutuel wagering just in time for the Kentucky Derby.
March 2, 2023: Rep. Zack Stephenson notes during a hearing — in which his bill, HF 2000, advances to the Public Safety and Finance Committee — that a revenue estimate from 2022 reported that a mature Minnesota sports betting market could result in roughly $12 million in taxes per year.
Feb. 20, 2023: Minnesota Rep. Zack Stephenson and Sen. Matt Klein introduce companion bills — HF 2000 and SF 1949 — that would legalize retail and online sports betting in the state. MN tribes would have sports betting exclusivity.
Jan. 9, 2023: No sports betting legislation has been filed in the Minnesota House or Senate in 2023, but there is bipartisan interest. The legislature expects to resume legal Minnesota sports betting talks soon.
Jan. 4, 2023: The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association releases a statement reaffirming its support for sports betting legalization at tribal casinos and on mobile apps.
Dec. 16, 2022: Rep. Zack Stephenson will once again bring Minnesota sports betting to the forefront in 2023. Stephenson's bill will include tribal exclusivity, giving Minnesota's tribes full control of mobile and retail wagering.
Sept. 18, 2022: A poll conducted by Minnesota Public Radio News states that 48% of people polled support legal sports wagering in the state, while 33% do not, and 19% are undecided.
July 8, 2022: Sen. Karla Bigham hopes to try and bring up online sports betting legislation in an upcoming special session.
June 13, 2022: Neighboring Iowa continues to benefit from the absence of legal Minnesota sports betting, generating $147.9 million in total handle in May.
May 23, 2022: Minnesota's House of Representatives and Senate adjourn for 2022 without passing a bill to legalize sports betting.
May 12, 2022: The Minnesota House passes HF 778 by a vote of 70-57.
March 24, 2022: The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approve HF 778 by a vote of 9-6. The bill now heads to the Minnesota Tax Committee.
March 15, 2022: The Minnesota House of Representatives State Government Finance and Elections Committee narrowly elects to push HF 778 forward by a vote of 7-5.
March 8, 2022: Minnesota lawmakers put forth new legislation (House File 778) in an effort to legalize sports betting.
Feb. 18, 2022: DraftKings mentions Minnesota during its Q4 earnings call as a target for its online sportsbook should formal legal sports betting come into law.
Feb. 16, 2022: Lawmakers announce a bipartisan effort to introduce legislation that would allow for legal retail and mobile sports betting. Both parties hope a law can be passed by the fall of 2023.
Nov. 4, 2021: Rep. Zack Stephenson voices his support for legal Minnesota sports wagering, announcing he will be introducing a sports betting bill in 2022.
January 2021: Multiple sports betting bills are filed but never voted on. One bill (SF 410), introduced by Sen. Karla Bigham, proposes mobile sports betting at MN casinos only.
2019: A bill to allow Minnesota sports betting at tribal casinos and horse racing tracks passes Senate but fails to move forward.
April 24, 2018: A bill (HF 1415) to legalize online daily fantasy sports fails.
Is sports betting legal in Minnesota?
No. Legislation to legalize sports betting in the Land of 10,000 Lakes fell short in 2024, and no sportsbooks have been awarded sports betting licenses. Key stakeholders, including state legislators and the 11 Indian tribes that control 19 retail casinos, are at odds over any online rollout.
Senator Jeremy Miller released 'Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0' on Jan. 17, 2024, and introduced the bill during the state's legislative session. The bill includes licensing opportunities for Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations to offer both retail and online sports betting, in addition to legal wagering at state horse racing tracks and professional sports stadiums.
Stay informed with news from states where online sports betting is legal, plus the latest on Minnesota sports betting's legalization efforts.
Latest Minnesota betting news
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2024
Minnesota residents 21 and older can place bets via Wisconsin sports betting operators and North Dakota sportsbooks inside select casinos. As neither state offers legal online sportsbooks at this time, mobile bettors would be best served to visit the Hawkeye State, which boasts nearly 20 legal Iowa sports betting sites.
Who can bet on sports in Minnesota?
In 2024, no one can place a legal sports bet in Minnesota. With plenty of uncertainty surrounding the potential framework of legalization in the North Star State, this is what we know:
Legal age
The legal age to gamble in a Minnesota casino is 18. Minnesota sportsbooks could follow suit here.
Mobile betting
There has been discussion to legalize both online and retail sports betting. Mobile wagering will become legal if Minnesota's tribes feel they can benefit from its addition.
Remote registration
Nevada is the only state that operates without remote registration. If Minnesota legalizes online sports betting, chances are bettors will be able to register, make deposits, and confirm wagers with Minnesota sports betting sites and apps from anywhere in the state.
Within state borders
When Minnesota legalizes sports gambling, residents and visitors will have to be physically present in the state to make their picks. Bettors will not be able to place legal wagers with Minnesota sportsbooks when visiting another state.
Retail sportsbooks
There are no retail sportsbooks at this time in Minnesota. However, there could be an influx of brick-and-mortar locations when sports betting becomes legal — especially if in-person registration is required to open a mobile or online sportsbook account.
Taxable winnings
Gambling and lottery winnings in Minnesota are subject to both federal and Minnesota income taxes. Notably, Minnesota taxes all gambling winnings no matter where a bettor or lottery player wins. The tax rate varies between 5.25% and 9.85%, depending on the level of income and marital status.
The pros and cons of Minnesota sports betting
Mobile sports betting would be a huge win for Minnesota sports bettors, but it remains a sticking point in the North Star State. Several lawmakers have shown little interest in giving Minnesota tribes sports betting exclusivity.
How to start betting in Minnesota
Online sports betting in Minnesota would drum up interest by allowing gamblers to register with a sportsbook remotely and wager on sports from anywhere within state lines. If retail options are first to emerge, interested bettors will have to travel to a brick-and-mortar location to get started.
Select a sportsbook
Choosing the right Minnesota sports betting sites will be an essential first step as odds and promotions may be better at some than others. Quick withdrawals are also crucial so that you can access your winnings just as easily as you can deposit funds.
Register online
Mobile and online sportsbook registration should be easy and convenient for bettors in Minnesota. In states with legal online sports betting, it takes just a few minutes to enter your personal information and confirm your location.
Claim a bonus
Sportsbook bonuses and promotions can significantly impact your bankroll when betting on sports online. Bettors should find a welcome bonus for their first deposits that suits their needs. Some Minnesota sportsbooks may also offer ongoing promotions, so be sure to see what's out there when online sports betting goes live.
Deposit funds
Minnesota betting sites will make it quick and easy to deposit funds by offering a plethora of options, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and eChecks.
Choose your bet types
Since Minnesota sports betting has yet to be legalized, it's unclear which sports and wager types will be available. At the very least, basic wagering options like Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, moneylines, futures, props, and live betting will be on the table.
Start betting
With your bonus on the way and your new sportsbook account funded, you'll be ready to place your first wager(s). Don't forget to review your bet slip before confirming your picks.
Withdraw funds
Take the ease of withdrawing funds from an online sportsbook into consideration before choosing which app or online sportsbook to use. Some operators quickly release funds, while others may offer unreasonably long wait times.
Reading the odds
Minnesota sportsbooks will use American odds to display betting odds. With American odds, the favorite is noted by a minus (-) sign, and underdogs have a plus (+) symbol before the number.
It's essential to understand how to read odds, as odds tell you what a sports bettor will have to risk to win a certain amount. The favorite winning pays less than the underdog, and that's shown in the moneyline. If a player bets $150 on the Minnesota Vikings as a -150 favorite, they will win $100 plus the original wager. Conversely, a player who risks $100 on the Minnesota Twins as a +150 underdog will win $150 plus the original bet.
American odds can be slightly confusing at first. If you prefer to view odds as decimals or fractions, head over to our odds converter. There, you can see odds displayed as American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Minnesota
Minnesota sports bettors cannot legally wager on any game or event at this time. However, there will be many professional and college sports to bet on once sports betting becomes legal. Non-sports gambling may or may not be included in the final legislation.
Politics
Minnesota sports betting will not include politics. No legal U.S. sportsbook offers wagering on politics.
Entertainment awards ceremonies
Time will tell if Minnesota bettors will be able to place wagers on popular awards shows like the Oscars and Emmy Awards.
esports
Esports betting is growing in popularity around the world, but there hasn't been overwhelming interest at legal U.S. sportsbooks yet. Minnesota will decide whether or not to include esports as part of legalizing sports betting.
What about Minnesota college sports?
College sports betting should be permitted in Minnesota, but this won't be confirmed until sports betting becomes legal. Some states only offer limited betting on out-of-state college sports teams.
Home team advantage: Minnesota sports
Sports betting in Minnesota will be enjoyable for bettors as there are plenty of local professional sports teams to support with a wager. Although betting can be fun when there's a little extra riding on the results, always do your homework before blindly backing your hometown club.
Our how to bet guides are a great place to start.
Other types of gambling
While Minnesota doesn't have legal sports betting or online gambling yet, other forms of gambling offerings exist in the North Star State. The Minnesota Lottery has different games for players to win money and prizes.
You can also find several casinos throughout the state. Mystic Lake has the largest casino floor in Minnesota, with 125,000 square feet of gaming space. Casino guests can enjoy table games like blackjack, slot machines, poker, bingo, and pull tabs.
Casino
Minnesota is home to 19 brick-and-mortar casinos where players can enjoy traditional casino games along with bingo and pull tabs. The casinos are owned and operated by 11 federally-recognized Minnesota tribes.
Poker
Poker is available at 10 of the 19 casinos in Minnesota. The games vary from location to location, and many offer tournaments.
Horse racing
It's legal to bet on horse racing in Minnesota. Pari-mutuel betting on horse races was approved in 1982.
Today, Minnesotans can wager on races online at the best horse racing betting sites in the U.S. — TwinSpires and SVG.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports websites operate in an unregulated MN market. DraftKings, FanDuel, and other DFS operators are currently active in the North Star State. You can sign-up and claim the ProphetX promo code today.
Quick facts: Minnesota sports betting
Legal Minnesota sports betting halted in 2022 following state lawmakers and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association failing to agree on potential sports betting legislation.
All information surrounding Minnesota's current legal sports betting landscape is outlined below:
Launch date | TBD |
Legal age for betting | 18 |
Online sports betting | No ❌ |
Number of betting licenses | N/A |
Number of betting sites | 0 |
Remote registration | No ❌ |
Retail sportsbooks | No ❌ |
Online casino sites | No ❌ |
Online poker | No ❌ |
Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
Betting on college sports | No ❌ |
Betting on esports | No ❌ |
State population | 5.70 million |
State regulator | TBD |
Last Verified | Nov. 21, 2024 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Minnesota
Both the government and casino operators in Minnesota take responsible gambling very seriously. In addition to the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has a toll-free phone line and resourceful website for anyone concerned about problem gambling.
Minnesota casino operators adhere to all state laws. Many casinos offer self-exclusion for problem gamblers and train their staff to notice signs of gambling addiction by players. Best practices are updated regularly.
Visit the Minnesota Alliance on Problem GamblingLegal U.S. sports betting markets
Minnesota will join the following U.S. jurisdictions when it legalizes sports betting:
Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches
Legal North Carolina sports betting officially launched on March 11, 2024. The Tar Heel State market is currently available for registration with top operators, such as FanDuel, bet365, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Vermont sports betting went live on Jan. 11, 2024. On day one, the state's legal landscape included FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Maine was the last state to legalize in 2023. Legal Maine sports betting arrived on Nov. 3, 2023, and its online market consists of DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.
Legal Kentucky sports betting launched on Sept. 7, 2023, with the arrival of retail operations. Online sports betting went live on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Unfortunately, Minnesota didn't make the sports wagering progress many would have preferred it to have made in 2024. However, it should still join the following list of states moving toward legal sports betting in the future:
Sportsbooks to avoid in Minnesota
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Sports betting is illegal in Minnesota. If you stumble upon a website claiming to be licensed and regulated in MN, you're being deceived. We strongly recommend visiting a state with legal sports betting or holding onto your bankroll until you can wager at legal Minnesota sports betting sites. Steer clear of the following online sportsbooks:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Minnesota sports betting FAQs
No. Sports betting is not legal in Minnesota. Despite yearly efforts to push across sports betting legislation, the North Star State has yet to gain traction.
Yes. Minnesota has casinos, a state lottery, and pari-mutuel horse race betting.
No. Online sports betting is illegal in Minnesota, and you should avoid sportsbooks claiming to be legal Minnesota sports betting sites.
Unfortunately, there are no legal sports betting apps in Minnesota. The state has not legalized any form of sports gambling.
There's no definitive timetable for Minnesota sports betting, but efforts are underway to bring another sports wagering bill to the legislative session in 2023.
Adults 18 and older are allowed to gamble in Minnesota.
DraftKings offers daily fantasy sports contests in Minnesota. As sports betting is still illegal, DraftKings does not have a license to operate its sportsbook in the state.
You can participate in DFS contests with FanDuel in Minnesota. The FanDuel sportsbook is not available, however.
Sports betting is not legal anywhere in Minnesota. You'll have to visit a neighboring state with legal sports betting if you'd like to place a wager.
Currently, no. However, all professional sports teams should be on the table when sports betting launches in Minnesota. As for college sports — well, that remains to be seen.
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An award-winning author at just six years old (it’s true!), Jeff has parlayed his early-life accolades into a prominent role in the iGaming content space with Covers. He now leads a talented team of expert betting analysts and sportsbook reviewers focused on delivering world-class experiences to North American bettors.
Jeff joined the Covers team full-time in 2021 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s content strategy and providing accurate, timely coverage of burgeoning legal sports betting markets like New York, Ohio, and Ontario. He is passionate about providing comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased betting analysis and giving Covers readers the confidence they need to come to their own conclusions when deciding how and where to bet online.
Jeff primarily bets on NFL, MLB, and NHL player props, but he is always looking for value in futures markets. If Jeff could only use one betting app, it would be bet365, but he’s also a big fan of DraftKings, FanDuel, and Sports Interaction. He is a strong proponent of line shopping and never, ever chases losses.
Jeff holds a BBA from St. Francis Xavier University. His work has been featured in Newsweek and referenced in news media outlets like the Calgary Herald, Financial Post, and Toronto Sun. He was previously an independent NHL prospects writer and has crafted over 200 articles and guides across the sports, iGaming, e-learning, and LMS software industries.