Minnesota has yet to pass legislation permitting sports betting, but it’s not for lack of trying.
After years of going nowhere, Minnesota sports betting efforts had legs last season after receiving support from the state’s Indian tribes. The House passed a bill with support from nine of 10 members of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association.
But that bill gave exclusivity on in-person and mobile sports wagering to the tribes and their casinos. That was a no-go in the Senate.
In the last week of the session, lawmakers asked tribes to support a plan that would allow racetracks to participate. An agreement was approved at the last minute, but leaders weren’t ready to sign off.
“We got so flipping close, that I don’t want to just walk away from it if there’s an opportunity in a special,” Senator Karen Bigham told PlayUSA. Bigham is leaving the legislature after eight years and wanted this bill to finally pass.
“There was an agreement, it’s just that there wasn’t time to take that agreement and move it forward,” Bigham said. Whatever concerns lingered, could have been addressed.
“If we had more time, I think we could have resolved those concerns, which is why I believe we shouldn’t just walk away. If there’s an opportunity in a special session, we should absolutely take it.
“But this is a big deal and we’re so close. There’s no reason not to bring it up and have it considered as part of an agreement in a special session if there is one.”
The communications director for majority leader Jeremy Miller told PlayUSA that it’s doubtful sports betting would be part of a special session.
If the governor calls for a special session and legislative leadership decides to include it, Bigham is sure Minnesota sports betting would pass.
“I think we have the votes,” Bigham said. “We just need to have the time and leadership’s confirmation to put it up for a vote, get it to a conference committee and get it done.”
