Minnesota

The Gopher State has yet to legalize MN betting as lawmakers are still amending the sports gambling bill. As this happens, bettors can expect a wide range of sportsbook apps when the state finally passes the bill.

Despite Minnesota's not-so-ideal sports betting situation and having one of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, the punters still get at least some wagering services. In a nutshell, MN residents can legally bet on horse races and greyhounds both online and in person on the state's two licensed race tracks.

Furthermore, MN residents can access many Daily Fantasy Sports apps, as DFS is completely legal in the state even though it still lacks state-wide regulation. The sports betting bills that have been proposed in the legislative process would legalize and regulate DFS apps, but for now, residents can still access PrizePicks, Underdog, Sleeper, and more.

Online sports betting in The Gopher State

Minnesota stands out as one of the remaining states without laws that support sports gambling. Lawmakers are currently pushing for the legalization of online sports betting in MN.

However, the current bill faces strong opposition from the native Indian tribes, as these tribal groups operate about 19 casinos across the state. Until the legislators convince the tribes that online sports wagering is helpful, Minnesota will have zero state-regulated online sportsbooks.

A good example of this came in 2019 when the Senate approved a bill to legalize retail sports betting at casinos and race tracks and allow online sportsbook apps in Minnesota, but the bill did not advance further, primarily due to the resistance of the MIGA.

For several Indian tribes, sports wagering, especially mobile betting, is a matter of caution in Minnesota. Since the tribes invested heavily in constructing physical casinos, most of their people depended on the revenue generated from them. So, while multiple pushes have been made to legalize online and mobile sports betting in the state, they have failed to pass.

Most recently, in 2022, HF 778 continued into 2022 and received approval in a full House vote. However, the discussions stalled in the Senate due to disagreements about tribal exclusivity.

Apart from greyhound races, DFS, and horse racing betting, there are no other opportunities for domestic online sports wagering. Nonetheless, bettors can travel to surrounding states to place wagers. For example, a state like Iowa has legal mobile sports betting options that Minnesota residents can use. However, all IA mobile sports betting apps are geo-restricted, so each MN bettor must physically travel to Iowa to enjoy such services.

Sports betting & gambling legislation in MN

The good news for Minnesota residents is that tribal casinos are not against sports betting, as the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) changed its stance and is no longer against the legalization of sports betting, stating that they have been studying the implementation of sports betting in different regions and its effects on tribal communities.

Even with their change of stance back in 2021, Minnesota's sports betting legalization proposals face time constraints due to the pending approval of a two-year state budget. Although many lawmakers support sports wagering legalization, it's unlikely to progress in 2023, potentially delaying the legislative process.

Therefore, in addition to horse race wagering, greyhound betting, and DFS, the other legal forms of gambling are mainly limited to the 23 tribal casinos in MN, which offer slots, table games, and all kinds of casino-based card games.

Most recent updates from the MN sports betting & gambling scene

• May 16, 2024: The bills regarding sports betting legalization are running out of time in 2024. HB 5274 was not discussed during a 12-hour legislative session on Wednesday, and lawmakers have until Monday, May 20th, to get the bill passed.

• May 6, 2024: Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell was arrested and charged with breaking into her stepmother's home. This could affect whether or not a sports betting bill gets passed in 2024, as her status in the Senate is up in the air.

• April 29, 2024: The Minnesota Timberwolves have completed a first-round sweep over the Phoenix Suns. This was their first postseason series win, and they are now (+1100) to win the NBA title.

• December 6, 2023: DraftKings launches Pick6, a peer-to-peer fantasy sports game app and website in six states, including Minnesota. It begins with NFL and NBA contests and plans to expand to more sports and states in the coming year.

• August 13, 2023: Minnesota police uncover an illegal gambling scheme involving a 40-year-old individual who used live streaming platforms, including TikTok, to place wagers on behalf of others.

• May 19, 2023: Minnesota's sports betting legalization proposals face time constraints due to the pending approval of a two-year state budget. Although many lawmakers support sports wagering legalization, it's unlikely to progress this season, potentially delaying the legislative process.

• March 29, 2023: DraftKings has introduced its horse racing platform, DK Horse, in 12 states, including Minnesota. The app offers pari-mutuel betting on various horse races, including Churchill Downs events like the Oaks and Derby.

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Currently, there are over 20 tribal casinos in Minnesota, including two thoroughbred race tracks, so-called 'racinos,' that offer the same card, table, and slot games with the addition of horse race and greyhound betting options. However, these two race tracks are the only locations that offer at least some kind of in-person betting for MN residents, as the tribal casinos focus solely on other types of gambling options.

All forms of gambling include an 18+ age limit in Minnesota. So, to gamble at casino resorts or race tracks in Minnesota, individuals must provide proof of their age.

Sports betting in neighboring states

Minnesota is located in a hotbed for sports wagering since all its four neighboring states have legalized in-person betting. However, from these neighbors, only Iowa also allows online sports betting within its state lines, so it is the only nearby state where individuals from MN can visit to enjoy mobile sports betting.

South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin all provide retail betting sites for sports fans, but none of them have legalized online or mobile wagering. In addition, each of the four neighboring states, like Minnesota, allows Daily Fantasy Sports and horse race betting.

What’s next for MN betting apps?

Currently, lawmakers in the state are still discussing several amendments to the sports gambling bill. Bettors hope that the modifications will cater to the needs of native Indian tribes for a smooth online sports betting experience.

If the gambling bill passes and online sports betting is legalized in MN, top sportsbook operators such as DraftKings, Fanduel, Caesars, and BetMGM will likely join the party. Other possible betting apps that could become available for MN bettors in the future are fresh names like ESPN Bet and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Potential sports betting revenue impact on Minnesota's economy

As Minnesota hasn't yet legalized sports betting in their state, there is no gambling-related revenue data to be presented. However, according to House Rep. Zack Stephenson, MN could earn around $12 million in tax revenue annually just by legalizing online sports betting. If online gambling were legalized as well, the figure would, of course, be even higher.

From Minnesota’s neighboring states, only Iowa has legalized sports betting within their state's lines, and it will rack up over $12 million in revenues in taxes from such activities in the 2023 calendar year.

Regarding population Colorado is the closest state with legalized sports betting compared to Minnesota. This fact alone should encourage both the tribes and the Minnesota government to get a deal over the finish line since Colorado has seen over $16 billion in handle and $1.14 billion in revenue, two of the country's highest marks.