A pair of Minnesota lawmakers says what’s good for Iowa is good for Minnesota—and they weren’t referring to corn.
Rep. Patrick Garofalo and State Senator Karla Bigham expected to introduce legislation by the end of January to permit sports betting. Garofalo thinks sports wagering could bring in $40 million to $50 million a year to the state, according to WCCO.
The law would permit on-site sports betting at tribal casinos for the first year, then mobile betting for those who sign up for an account at a casino. Revenue, taxed at 6 percent for on-site betting and 8 percent for mobile, would end up in the state’s general fund, with 0.5 percent earmarked for compulsive gambling assistance programs, according to the Associated Press.
While the tax revenue would be a benefit, the law would provide protections for gamblers who would otherwise bet on offshore websites or illicit operations. The bill creates a wagering commission which would include representatives of tribes and racetracks.
“It’s already done flagrantly and it’s time shine some light on it, put some guardrails around it, protections around it, and quite honestly we need to legalize it,” Bigham said. “If that state makes a few bucks while we’re at it, good for us.”
Sawyer Merry, of Minneapolis, bets on cards in casinos. “What’s the difference between betting on cards and betting on players?” he said.
Terrance Lynch, of Champlin, has placed bets in Iowa. He’d rather stay in Minnesota.
“Everywhere you go, more people are doing it,” Lynch said.
Yet Garofalo would be surprised if his bill succeeds. Past efforts have failed. He suggests resident contact elected officials if they support the bill. Still, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association wants none of it unless it’s limited to reservations. And top legislatures could care less.
“Any major policy item that has a lot of disagreement I don’t foresee happening this year. But in addition, many of us just don’t think it’s the right thing to do for Minnesota,” said GOP Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka.
