Today, Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) joined colleagues to announce a plan to legalize sports betting in Minnesota.

“We already have sports betting happening in Minnesota,” Sen. Koran said. “The problem is that it’s either happening when residents are crossing borders or when they are using workarounds to do it online. This proposal puts in the structure to deal with that reality and aligns us with the practices of the states around us. It’s an easy win that earns Minnesota revenues and gives Minnesotans the freedoms that they want.”

The proposal will allow for sports betting at tribal casinos and both racetracks in the state, which would pay licensing fees for in-person betting. Tribal Nations may issue Sub-licenses to vendors for online gaming operations, which would then be taxed by the state. Revenues will go to the general fund with possible earmarks for the dollars to be determined.  If signed into law this year, it could go into effect in the fall of 2023.  

With the move by Wisconsin to legalize sports wagering, Minnesota is now the only state in our region without a legal option. North of the border Canada allows betting as well. This means Minnesotans must cross our borders to bet on games or find illegal workarounds with online vendors. Legalizing betting in the state would mean Minnesotans can bet from their backyard and know they are doing so in a safe manner.