The Minnesota mobile sports betting bill went before the House Commerce, Finance, and Policy Committee. HF 2000 successfully advanced out of the committee by representatives. This measure would bring mobile sportsbooks to Minnesota statewide with local tribes running the market. HF 2000 now heads to the House Judiciary and Civil Law Committee.
Minnesota Bill Makes Progress
HF 2000 would allow sportsbook operators to partner with local tribes to offer mobile sports betting in Minnesota. The measure would grant each tribe one betting skin and a retail location. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) is in support of this measure. Tribal exclusivity seems to be a major focus for lawmakers.
“We have had a system of tribal exclusivity around gambling for 30 years, and it’s worked well,” Zack Stephenson, House Commerce Committee chair, DFL-Coon Rapids, said on Tuesday in announcing the bill.
There is a companion bill in the Senate SF 1949 that is currently going through committee as well. Should both measure be successful, this could finally lead to mobile sportsbooks launching in Minnesota.
A similar bill came close to passing in 2022 which also saw MIGA support. That measure advanced out of the House and made it to the Senate floor. These measures are also seeing a lot of support in their respective chambers.
What The Minnesota Market Could Look Like
Sports betting would be taxed 10% on gross gaming revenue (GGR). This estimate is expected bring in roughly $12 million to $15 million annually in taxes to the Gopher State. Minnesota lawmakers plan to use revenue from sports betting to fund youth sports as well as problem gambling efforts. The aim is to target areas with high rates of juvenile crime.
What this measure would do is open up the Minnesota gambling market to more players. Currently, retail casinos are the only options for gambling. This measure would bring mobile apps to all residents across the state.
The support from MIGA is expected as the tribes supported previous efforts for mobile sports betting in Minnesota. The exclusivity push is what motivates tribal leaders to support the measures. Tribes running the industry give them a monopoly on Minnesota gambling going forward. This is beneficial to the tribes as they currently run the local casino industry as well.
“Were your bill to become law, MIGA Tribes believe the resulting mobile and retail markets operated by Minnesota Tribal Nations would not only support Tribes, but would also provide a well-regulated and accessible market for the state’s sportsbettors and a competitive market that is important to our state’s professional sports team and market partners,” Andy Platto, the executive director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said.
Minnesota could pass sports betting this year with the two measures. It’s an exciting time for sports betting fans in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
