In an effort to advance gambling within Minnesota’s borders, Senator John Marty, along with two of his colleagues, has brought a new sports betting bill to the table for lawmakers, according to a Star Tribune local news report.
The latest proposal would allow for sports betting, but with restrictions on college game wagers, in-game action and push notifications.
Marty believes certain safeguards are needed if Minnesota decides to welcome a regulated sports betting market.
This is not the first time regulated sports betting has been a topic of discussion among state lawmakers. Minnesota has considered opening its commercial market in recent years. A push to legalize sports betting gained some traction earlier this session but fizzled out until now.
Marty shared his concerns regarding legislation without safeguards and the importance of putting protections in place for problem gamblers.
He told local news, “I think, five years from now, we're going to have a lot of second thoughts."
Marty also said he is open to discussing the terms of the current bill on the table.
"Every bill gets negotiated, but I think this spells out the type of safeguards we ought to have," he added.
To date, more than 35 states have legalized sports betting since the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018. Minnesota’s neighbors are included in those states that have embraced sports wagering since the laws have been changed.
In related news, lawmakers in Alabama are considering a bill that would allow for 10 casinos to open statewide, as well as creating a state lottery and expanding gambling statewide through legalized sports betting.
An expanded gambling proposal recently advanced to the state’s conference committee.
