It may be a while before sports betting is legalized in Minnesota. House Majority Leader, state Rep. Ryan Winkler, who controls which measures reach the House floor, said, “I don’t think anyone wants to rush into anything.” Governor Tim Walz indicated he’s open to sports wagering, providing the state’s Native American tribes support it.
However, in a recent letter to Walz and legislative leaders, Minnesota Indian Gaming Association Chairman Charles Vig said the group would oppose any sports betting legislation this year and asked for further study of the issue.
Still, state Senator Roger Chamberlain said he will introduce a sports wagering measure soon. “Right now it’s been underground and there are people doing it already,” he said. Comparing sports betting to the stock market, Chamberlain said, “It’s perfectly safe. It’s not like drinking booze or smoking marijuana. It’s like investing. They have opinions, and they want to invest based on those opinions.”
Regarding tribal interests, he noted, “We certainly want to get them involved, protect their interests and provide a new business marketing opportunity for them.” However, Chamberlain said his legislation also would include mobile gambling and allow competition from other operators—two key areas of concern among tribes.
State Rep. Pat Garofalo noted sports betting supporters need to find common ground among the state’s professional sports teams, tribal gambling interests and Minnesota’s charitable gambling community. “When public opinion is leaning one way and pro sports teams want something, it usually happens,” Garofalo said.
Opponents include Citizens Against Gambling Expansion. The group’s spokesman, Jake Grassel, said he’s already finding bipartisan support in the state legislature. Also, Al Lund, executive director of Allied Charities of Minnesota, said he’s concerned easy more access to gambling online and via smartphones will result in an “exponential” rise in problem gambling.
