Minnesota Senator Jermy Miller will introduce a new sports betting bill in the upcoming legislative session.
On Wednesday, Sen. Miller released the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, a proposal that incorporates input from the state’s various stakeholders. He hopes this initiative will succeed where other bills fell short last year.
Miller said, “Minnesota continues to miss out on what is now a $100 billion industry. So far, 38 other states plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. have already legalized sports betting.” Miller plans to formally introduce the bill on Feb. 12, the first day of Minnesota’s new legislative session.
In 2023, sports betting companion bills were introduced by Representative Zach Stephenson and Senator Matt Klien. The House bill made it through a few committees but subsequently died. Issues that complicated their passage included whether tribal casinos would have exclusivity, cutting horse racing interests out of the action. Charitable gaming operators were also lobbying for a tax reduction provision.
Sen. Miller’s initiative tries to address those very issues. The new bill will include licensing opportunities for Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations to offer both retail and online sports betting. License holders would also be able to operate retail sports betting at horse racing tracks and professional sports stadiums.
The bill would also restore some charitable gaming options.
Meanwhile, charitable gaming and horse racing interests would get a big piece of the sports betting tax proceeds. Charitable gaming tax relief payments would get half the proceeds, while the Minnesota Racing Commission would claim 15% of the collected taxes. So, many of last year’s disgruntled stakeholders would financially benefit from this year’s bill.
While there are still likely to be concerns, the current initiative should please most Minnesotans. According to a KSTP/SurveyUSA poll, 64% favor the legalization of sports betting in the North Star State. Also, the timing of Miller’s initiative is key.
Earlier this month, Minnesota sports betting advocate Representative Pat Garafolo announced he would not seek reelection in the 2024 election. Garafolo, however, will be in office until Jan. 7, 2025, giving him the opportunity to work with Miller during Minnesota’s 2024 legislative session.
