The North Dakota legislature is close to adopting a sports betting bill shortly after the House approved a historic racing game bill. The bills would benefit the charitable gaming industry, the only gaming industry permitted in the state.
As the legislature held hearings on legalizing sports betting, with separate bills introduced by Reps. Thomas Beadle and Jason Dockter, Lisa Vig of Gamblers Choice, a treatment program, told lawmakers that some of the taxes raised should be set aside for treating problem gambling.
Dockter’s bill includes college and professional sports, but Beadle excludes college games. Neither currently includes funding for problem gamblers being treated and Vig argues that they should.
North Dakota’s voters approved a lottery in 2002. When combined with charitable gambling, which includes pull-tab, bingo and card games, it is a $250 million industry.
Randy Miller, director of the state lottery says the state already earmarks $320,000 to treat gambling disorder. All the money is spent with Vig’s organization.
Governor Doug Burgum says he is neutral on sports betting and won’t come down in favor or against any bill.
Meanwhile the House has approved 48-43 allowing games that use historical horseracing, but with all the names and recognizable identification stripped and only the statistics remaining. As with the sports betting bill, this one would raise money for charity and the state.
Critics say the machines look and act like slot machines, and so provide an entry level activity to casino gaming, and are just as addictive. The state Racing Commission projects the games could raise $200 million each year. Supporters first tried to pass a similar bill two years ago, where it lost by a single vote.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
