The legalization of Minnesota sports betting was seen as a strong possibility coming into the 2024 legislative session. However, a new amendment introduced this week may make one bill under consideration much less attractive to lawmakers and bettors alike.
An amendment designed to promote responsible gambling adds a ban on in-game betting. Such a ban exists in no other legalized, regulated sports betting industry, and is seen by at least one lawmaker as a “poison pill.”
More on the Minnesota sports betting amendment
The amendment was proposed by Sen. Jordan Rasmussen and supported by Sen. Matt Klein. Klein has been very active in wanting to get a Minnesota sports betting bill passed, and has worked on legislation in each of the last two years.
In addition to banning in-game wagering, the amendment sets framework for self-imposed limits and funds both a problem gambling hotline and studies focused on identifying problem gambling behaviors.
However, the in-game betting ban is getting most of the attention, and much of it is negative. On Wednesday, Rep. Pat Garofalo posted the following on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“The MN Senate change to sports gambling bill to eliminate in game wagering is unworkable. No state in the country has that type of ban. If sports gambling is going to happen this session, this poison pill will need to be removed.”
Another hurdle to clear
Many were bullish on Minnesota sports betting coming into this year’s legislative session. The state boasts several high-profile professional and college teams, as well as seven neighboring states that all have some sort of legal, regulated sports betting.
There are, however, multiple obstacles to navigate in the pursuit of legalization. In addition to this responsible gambling amendment, many stakeholders around the state must be unified in getting a deal done. This includes not just sports teams and casinos, but powerful Minnesota tribes and the state’s horse racing industry.
The Minnesota legislative session adjourns on Monday, May 20. If Minnesota sports betting legislation is to become law this year, it must pass out of the House and Senate by then.
