Minnesota state Rep. Zack Stephenson, chair of the House Commerce Committee, said he expects to introduce a sports betting bill early in the session, which opens on January 31. He said he hasn’t written the measure yet but he has had “serious conversations” with stakeholders.
Stephenson noted, “There is a consensus we should be doing something. There have been lots of conversations and more to have. The momentum is growing and I’m more optimistic than ever that we will see meaningful action and passage.”
Those conversations include meetings with officials of Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations which operate 19 casinos. Previously, Stephenson said mobile sports betting would be the most significant change in gaming in Minnesota since tribal compacts were written in 1991.
However, in the past few years, tribal officials have objected to legalizing sports betting. Stephenson said he plans to discuss the issue with them before he finalizes draft legislation. He said he already has met with seven of the tribes, has scheduled meetings with two more and is working on meetings with the final two.
The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association recently released a statement suggesting the tribes may be ready to cooperate on new gaming legislation. MIGA Executive Director Andy Platto said, “The tribal governments making up MIGA have been examining the various ways sports betting has been implemented across the country and its impacts on tribal communities. As gaming experts, tribes stand ready to share this expertise with lawmakers considering the future of sports betting in Minnesota.”
Observers said some lawmakers prefer a bill legalizing retail sports betting but not mobile wagering. State Rep. Pat Garofalo, who has pushed for sports betting legislation for several years, said sports wagering probably would require a “two-step approach.”
State Senator Roger Chamberlain sponsored a bill that has carried over from the 2021 session and includes mobile sports betting. The measure also would give the state’s 11 tribes and two horseracing tracks retail sportsbook licenses.
Chamberlain said, “We’re happy to hear there is some movement on the House side and I believe there is a path forward. But unless mobile is part of it, it doesn’t make any sense. Up here it’s a little more difficult, but our belief is it’s a win-win-win. It’s a win for tribes, the state and the people who want to play.”
Governor Tim Walz previously has said he would sign sports betting legislation as long as the tribes approve it.
