Intrо to Sports Betting Minnesota: No Legal Bookies
In this guide on Minnesota sports betting, we will get you acquainted with the current betting laws, past legal attempts of legalization and future outlook. We will also list out all legal gambling forms in the state. Currently, there are no legal sports betting Minnesota establishments. Read the article to learn the details.
- This Site Contains:
- Current sports betting situation in Minnesota
- Future outlook of sports betting in Minnesota
- History of gambling in Minnesota
After the PASPA overturning, Minnesota has become surrounded by states that have legalized sports betting. On paper, the Land of 10,000 Lakes seems to be the next domino to fall, but, in reality, legalization is below the horizon, for now. Official attempts to launch a push are in the starting phases.
There’s hope. If crafted well, the planned bill would dispel a lot of the worries of local opponents of the idea – mainly conservative Republicans and some of the Native Indian tribes. Should this happen, Minnesota will become the next state to allow betting on sports, benefiting Vikings, Wild, and Timberwolves supporters.
Current Legal Status of Online Sports Betting Minnesota
Despite being surrounded by states that have embraced legal sports wagering, Minnesota is divided on the issue. Currently, there are no legal online sports betting Minnesota venues, and it looks set to stay that way for the near future. This means that Minnesota residents cannot wager on sports events with money.
Legal Gambling Forms in Minnesota
While MN sports betting is off the table presently, state residents have some legal gambling options available. Minnesota is home to no less than 19 tribal casinos, which exclusively offer the full land-based casino package, like slots, Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and more. Parimutuel betting, both live and simulcast, is also available at state racetracks.
Other legit gambling forms include charitable gaming (bingo, raffles), state lottery, and games of skill. The situation with Daily Fantasy is quite liberal. Although this type of gambling is not officially recognized by law, it hasn’t been outlawed either. As a result, there are several Daily Fantasy providers in the state.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos and Sportsbooks in Minnesota
Minnesota has 22 land-based gambling establishments: 19 are Native Indian casinos and three are racetracks, all in all making a decent alternative to legal sports betting Minnesota. The income received from the casinos goes directly to the Native Indian tribes in the state. The three racetracks offer live and off-track betting. They are Canterbury Park, Running Aces Casino, and Minnesota HBPA.
Legal Status of Daily Fantasy in Minnesota
Daily Fantasy is a free or paid game, where players construct teams out of real players based on a salary cap. Then, they earn points based on the performance of these players in real sports. The length of a single competition between participants is much shorter than traditional fantasy games.
Daily Fantasy operates in a grey legal area in Minnesota. In 2018, a bill was introduced to the House of Representatives, attempting to define DFS and regulate it, but it failed the following year with 74-28 votes. Current DFS providers may receive rights to become a legal Minnesota sportsbook should sports betting get legalized.
Horse Racing Scene in Minnesota
The legal framework, along with the regulating body the Minnesota Racing Commission, was laid in 1983. A bill aiming to legalize off-track betting passed in local government structures in 1991 but was overruled as unconstitutional by the Minnesota Supreme Court. A second attempt was made in 1994 but failed narrowly. Currently, live pari-mutuel wagering is available at three tracks.
Legal Status of Poker in Minnesota
Apart from Native Indian casinos, poker is a bit limited by the legal environment in the state. Poker rooms are illegal, but there are some exceptions. For example, privately-held poker games are permitted by law, as long as the owner of the property doesn’t make a profit.
A loosening of laws was considered in Minnesota following a motion in Capitol in favor of poker. This resulted in a bill sponsored by Sen. Dave Kleis and aiming to legalize low-stakes Texas Hold’em tournaments get proposed in 2005. The bill passed, allowing Texas Hold’em to be played in tournaments.
| Betting Type | Legal | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 Online Sports Betting | No | None |
| 🎰 Online Casinos | No | None |
| ⚾ Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | None |
| 🏢 Land-Based Casinos | Yes | Minnesota Indian Gaming Association |
| 🏨 Land-Based Sportsbooks | No | None |
| 🃏 Poker Rooms | No | None |
| 🏇 Racetrack Betting | Yes | Minnesota Racing Commission |
| 🎫 State-Sponsored Lottery | Yes | Minnesota State Lottery |
Status of Offshore Bookmakers in Minnesota
Offshore gambling sites are betting and casino platforms that have servers outside the state and are accessible from within Minnesota. It is important to know that, although widespread locally, it is not advisable to play at such sites, because of their safety and privacy credentials. Some are licensed but others are not regulated and risky.
Sports Betting in Minnesota: Pending Legislation
Currently, there is no pending legislative motion on sports betting Minnesota. This year’s legislative session started on January 31. Should a bill be introduced, it would be in February. However, the current pandemic situation has twisted the arms of states’ governments and the serious discussion about gambling will likely fall into the background until this is resolved.
No prior bills have been pushed in the House of Representatives to date, mostly due to the delicate business environment with the tribes and conservative republicans’ attitude towards sports wagering. Talks have been mostly unofficial, but there has been major progress with some of the tribes. More information on this in the sections below.
Past Attempts to Legalize Sports Betting
The Supreme Court overturning of PASPA 2018 untied the hands of states to decide their own policies about sports betting. To date, 32 states have already voted to legalize it. Minnesota is trailing behind, but not by too much. There have been past attempts by a few to warm up state officials to the idea.
Serious attempts for the legalization of online sports betting Minnesota began in late 2021 when a second Native American tribe signed an agreement in favor of such a move. It seems the legwork of devising a bill that would appeal to both sides has fallen onto the shoulders of State Rep. Zack Stephenson, who has stated that it would be proposed sometime in 2022.
Reports indicate that reaching approval majority would depend on the details of its contents. Native Indian tribes are worried about new competition should they be left aside, while conservative Republicans in Minnesota have worries about the moral effect of the legalization of MN sports betting. Although it will be a hard task, there is a chance of legalization.
Current Legal Landscape
As mentioned before, talks are already on the way with the Native Indian tribes, who wish to receive assurances that the move will benefit their communities. The conservative opponents to the idea will need to be convinced with realistic and practical solutions to the potential for gambling addiction problems.
While currently illegal, legal sports betting Minnesota seems a distinct possibility in the next two, three years, as Minnesota would want to follow in the footsteps of neighbouring states. Currently, the legal proceedings have not yet been initiated and a bill is being written. We will update you once we know more.
- Increased tax revenue
- More jobs in Minnesota
- Safer betting environment
- Potential regulatory issues
- Potential for increases in gambling addiction
- Won’t eliminate scam betting sites
The lead sponsor of the prototype bill is Rep. Zack Stephenson, who is also the chair of the chambers of Commerce Committee, and, as such, holds significant sway over the outcome. The main motivations behind the bill are increased state revenue, more jobs, and a safer environment for Minnesota punters.
Outlook for Legalization of MN Sports Betting
As mentioned earlier, the legalization of sports betting is a matter of polishing out the details and promoting the idea in the right way. The business side of it related to the Native Indian tribes, who would probably need to be assured they will not get new competitors. The conservative Republicans will need to be assured that sports betting Minnesota will not corrupt the local cultural fibre.
Vision of Legalization Sports Betting in MN
Legalized online sports betting Minnesota would offer a number of benefits. Should both forms – online and offline – receive the nod, platforms will be regulated and consequently safe to use. There will be appropriate channels and support for people with gambling issues. With a new industry opening, there will be more jobs.
It is expected that duties of licensing and regulating online sports betting Minnesota will be allocated to the Gambling Control Board. Currently, they are regulating the lawful charitable gaming industry. Gambling addictions issues will likely be taken on by Problem Gambling. We’ll update this article once we can confirm this.
Taxes on sports betting are yet to be discussed in Minnesota. State taxes will have to be added on top of the federal flat rate for gambling of 24%. We expect a local tax rate of around 8%, but this is just a ballpark prediction. MN gamblers will have to use the W2-G form to declare taxes on sports betting winnings.
Final Thoughts on Potential Sports Betting Legalization in MN
Minnesota has been moving at a much slower pace than other states regarding MN sports betting legalization. The fact that no bill has yet made a vote is a clear sign that state representatives have some strong reservations about the idea. But this doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. It’s just going to take longer.
Comparison Between Online and Land-Based Betting
The biggest advantage of online over offline is the comfort to wager from your own home. Online sports gambling eliminates the need to spend money just to travel to a sportsbook. You will have to only pay for an internet connection. This also gives you access to a wider range of online resources.
Another pro of online sportsbooks is the higher value of the bonuses. Due to the whimsical nature of the internet users, online bookmakers devise and offer higher in value bonuses in an attempt to attract and keep more users. The variety of the offers is also greater.
Yet another advantage is the greater number of the markets. Online sportsbooks usually have far greater coverage of betting markets than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. They usually have markets that extend beyond the USA and include many major leagues and sub-division of sports from Europe, South America, and Asia.
Another benefits of using an online Minnesota sportsbook – when it becomes legal – is that there’s a greater variety of bet types. While land-based sportsbooks focus on straight bets, online platforms add to the package futures, props, and accumulators, the latter of which is usually trailed by boosts.
In truth, the core products of online and offline sports betting platforms are the same, but online has a lot of other features on the side. So far, we looked into the advantages of online sportsbooks. Below, we will discuss the advantages of land-based sportsbooks. Continue reading to find out.
In contrast, land-based sportsbooks offer a spot with predisposing atmosphere to wager and socialize with other bettors. Compared to online, brick-and-mortar sports betting establishments are equipped with TV screens, a bar, lounge area, and even a restaurant. It is yet unclear what the nature of the extra features would be in Minnesota, once sports betting gets the nod.
Another advantage of land-based sportsbooks is the faster payments. If you are withdrawing in cash, you’ll be getting your winnings right there and then, while with online bookies, you’ll need to wait up to 48 hours. Of course, in the case, where withdrawals at offline bookies go through the banks, it would take longer.
Yet another pro is the full anonymity. Nobody will ask to see your personal details when you enter sports betting premises. You’ll be free to roam the venue and take advantage of its services without anyone knowing who you are. This is a major reason why some punters prefer the old-school way.
The speed with which online betting has been growing has also been a double-edged sword. Some punters can’t keep up with the new technological leaps and especially with the diversity of payments. As a consequence, there are trust issues. This group of bettors would rather go for the simplicity of hand-to-hand payments at offline venues.
Offline sports betting venues offer a number of other conveniences worth your consideration. Whether you choose online or offline, it is vital to wager at legit establishments, as they offer safety and legal protection for your personal details. What’s more, they would have adequate support channels for people experiencing gambling issues.
Ultimately, it’s down to personal preferences. While sports betting online is better, due to the larger bank of markets, better bonuses, convenience, and extra features, land-based sportsbooks still pull with their own charm. What’s important is that, with the legalization of sports betting, Minnesota residents will be free to make up their own minds.
History of Gambling in Minnesota
Currently, there are four regulatory bodies for legal gambling forms in the state. The Minnesota Racing Commission regulates live and simulcast horse racing betting. The Minnesota State Lottery is responsible for the lottery operation. The Gaming Control Board regulates charitable gaming, and the Native Indian Commission oversees the Native Indian casinos in the state.
It is yet unspecified which regulatory body will be responsible for sports betting Minnesota once it gets legalized, but up-to-date talks have suggested the Gaming Control Board to take on the new role. They will be tasked with the duties of issuing, reviewing, and revoking licenses, regulating, and investigating gambling offences.
The overturning PASPA in 2019, a law from 1992, allowed states to decide on the legalization of sports betting individually and according to local circumstances. Since then, 32 states have opted to legalize it. However, most of them have permitted land-based gambling. Only 18 allow online sports betting, presently.
Licensing Considerations for Gambling in Minnesota
In every state in the USA, including Minnesota, safe and regulated gambling operators have a license from a state-authorized body. Once a certain form of gambling gets legalized, duties of regulating and licensing are allocated to an already existing government institution or a newly created one.
It is not yet clear which body will regulate online sports betting Minnesota once it gets legalized, but there is a distinct possibility duties will be given to the Gambling Control Board. They would have to select partners, review their applications and decide whether to give them a license or not.
It is important to remember that playing at regulated online sports betting sites gives you legal protection and significantly reduces the risk of getting scammed. If you can, always play at licensed sportsbooks. Unfortunately, there are no legit sportsbooks in Minnesota right now. Plans are in motion to legalize MN sports betting.
Blacklisted gambling sites are accessible from within the borders of Minnesota. That’s why Minnesota residents need to be extra careful. Under UIGEA, anyone who makes wagers with real-money transactions may be subject to punishment. In the table below, we’ve listed some of the dangers related to unlicensed sportsbooks.
Blacklisted Operators in Minnesota
Although not every unauthorized operator is also unlicensed – they may have licenses from international licensing bodies – they may still pose a significant risk. The safest practice is to avoid sites that are not legal in Minnesota. Below, we’ve listed out the dangers of wagering on black-market websites.
Blacklisted bookie are illegal in Minnesota. This means that, while accessible, they are not regulated. There’s nothing to tie them down to fair practices, and, as a result, may use marketing ticks to increase their income at the expense of their users. What’s more, they may not be secured with SSL.
They may compromise your personal information. As blacklisted betting sites, especially those without any license, are not bound by data-protection laws due to their offshore nature. This poses a significant risk for your personal details falling into the wrong hands or being traded for cash on the market.
Last but not least, you won’t have access to local legal resources in the event of a dispute with a bookmaker. Illegal online betting sites may craft their terms and conditions to benefit them at your expense. Overall, it is best to avoid them at all costs.
- ⛔️ 1XBet
- ⛔️ Bovada
- ⛔️ BetOnline
- ⛔️ BetDSI
- ⛔️ SportsBetting.ag
- ⛔️ CarbonGaming.ag
- ⛔️ MyBookie
- ⛔️ BetUS
- ⛔️ Xbet
- ⛔️ 22bet
- ⛔️ 5Dimes
Final Thoughts: Minnesota Bookies are Illegal
We reviewed the legal situation regarding sports betting in Minnesota. We described the current laws, pending laws, past attempts of legalization, and future outlook. To prepare you for future legalization, which is bound to happen in the future, we compared online and land-based bookmakers. Below, you’ll see the summarized conclusions.
Sports betting is illegal in Minnesota. There are several legal forms of gambling: horse racing, lottery, Daily Fantasy, and charitable gaming. Sports betting Minnesota is the next on the list of being legalized. At the time of writing this review, a bill was being prepared, which is expected to be presented to Congress in 2022.
The attitude towards gambling in Minnesota seems to be softening, but opposition is still strong in some conservative segments of society. The Native Indian tribes will easily get on board if the change does not contradict their way of life and business in Minnesota. To conclude, the idea of online sports betting Minnesota legalization is a few steps away from being presented before congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, this review helped you build a perspective about sports gambling in Minnesota. We aim to provide you with the latest and most accurate information on the legal landscape of sports betting Minnesota. However, bear in mind that the situation is still developing. We will update this review, as we find out more.