As 2023 unfolds in Minnesota, the question lingers: will the state enact sports betting legislation? It might be worth noting that the Democratic House passed a measure last year only, to see the GOP Senate stop the progress.
The Dems control both chambers this year, but that’s no guarantee of success.
“The fact that it has been occurring in other states gives it increased momentum in Minnesota,” Carleton College Political Analyst Steven Schier says of sports betting, which is now legal in 30 states. “I think sports betting becomes more possible…it’s also a revenue source for state government, something Democrats are always looking for.”
Outgoing Senator Karla Bigham, who has authored sports betting legislation, concurs that legalization will come in 2023.
“If I was betting that’s what I would bet on,” she told KSTP-TV December 28. “I believe that any agreement will be heavily geared toward the tribes, but with a partnership option for stakeholders outside the tribal lands and a mobile option.”
Stakeholders like race tracks and sports clubs.
Last year, the Senate pushed a bill to approve betting at tribal casinos and the two tracks in the state, but the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association opposed. The proposal died.
“There are huge opponents on both sides of the aisle to this topic and no matter who’s in charge that majority party has people opposed to it,” Bigham said.
