In a bipartisan vote, the North Dakota House Judiciary Committee recently endorsed a resolution that would let voters decide if sports betting should be allowed in the state. The resolution now goes to the full House for consideration. If the measure passes, it could appear on the November 2022 ballot.
State Rep. Michael Howe stated, “The only way to legalize this is to put this to a vote of the people of North Dakota. I feel the majority of North Dakotans want this. Once legalized, sports wagering will be monitored, and any irregular activity will be easily detected. It is easier to fix games in an unmonitored environment, in which money flows under the radar. ”
Two years ago, the North Dakota legislature defeated bills that would have allowed sports betting. Supporters said sports wagering would generate revenue for charitable causes and for the state, including problem gambling services. Opponents, including state Rep. Larry Klemin, chairman of the judiciary committee, claim expanded gambling could cause more gambling addiction problems.
North Dakotans also could use an initiated measure which is allowed under the state constitution and gives citizens the right to bypass the legislature to put a constitutional amendment directly on the ballot.
A spokesman for Governor Doug Burgum said he would not block efforts to bring legal sports betting to North Dakota, nor would he promote it.
