Minnesota state Rep. Zack Stephenson, chair of the House Commerce Committee, said he will lead an effort in the upcoming legislative session, which starts January 31, 2022, to legalize sports betting in the state. He said he hasn’t drafted a bill yet but plans to talk to other sports wagering proponents about what should be included.
Stephenson said, “The legalization of sports betting will be the most significant change to Minnesota’s gaming laws in many years. The issue is very complex. There are countless different ways that we could structure sports betting. Thirty-two states have legalized sports betting in the United States, and I think it’s fair to say each one of them has taken a different approach. We may want to walk before we run. It’s important to not close any doors, but we do need to be deliberate and cautious.”
Stephenson noted a sports betting measure could benefit from bipartisan support. He stated, “There are legislators of both parties in both chambers who support this.” State Senator Roger Chamberlain said he’ll introduce sports wagering legislation again next session. “You work hard for your money, and if you want to place a little money in support of your favorite team, you shouldn’t have to drive to Iowa or use an international gambling app to do it. Sports wagering is good entertainment,” Chamberlain said.
Stephenson also said he plans to consult with the state’s Native American tribes about sports betting legislation. “I’ve been talking to them for months and there is a lot more conversations to be had with the tribes. But I do think it has a good chance. I wouldn’t be taking this on if I didn’t.”
Previously, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association has opposed sports betting but the group may be coming around. 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.” Currently, 11 tribes operate 19 casinos in the state.
State Senator Karla Bigham noted the House and Senate will come up with different bills but both will do whatever it takes to get it to conference committee. She said she’s excited the House is ready to “play ball.” But she said she wants to make sure a bill has key provisions like mobile and remote registration. “If you’re going to open a can of worms, let’s make sure it’s a good, fresh batch of worms. Let’s not do things that aren’t successful just to say we’ve done them,” Bigham said.
Governor Tim Walz previously said he would be open to signing sports betting legislation if the state’s tribes are in agreement.
