Sports betting bill in Minnesota gains traction
If finalized, Minnesota will become the 33rd state to authorize a form of legal sports betting.
The sports betting bill in Minnesota titled ‘HF778’ received committee approval recently. The details of the bill will allow those 18 and over to wager on sports.
A sponsor of the bill, Zack Stephenson, noted that sports gambling is already occurring on the black market within the state. He went on to note that state lawmakers have consulted multiple parties, including gambling addiction specialists.
The exact details of HF778 are as followed: “Sports wagering commission created, licensing provided for sports pool operators and sports wagering premises, mobile and electronic sports pool licenses established, conduct of sports pools prescribed, local restrictions prohibited, participation in sports wagering restricted, excise tax imposed on sports wagers in lieu of the corporate tax, administration of tax provided, and report required.”
There are those that oppose the bill, including Ryan Hamilton, a Minnesota Catholic Conference government relations associate. Hamilton states that gambling is “particularly addictive” among younger audiences.
Jordan Rasmusson, a Republican from Fergus Falls, proposed two amendments. One required that gambling through mobile apps require an in-person presence in a licensed gaming facility. The other was to increase the age of mobile betting to 21 instead of 18, both amendments proved futile.
Though those amendments were rejected, most states that legalized sports betting restrict mobile sports gambling to individuals who are 21-years-old or older.
If passed, tax revenue from mobile gaming will be directed to the enforcement of laws for fair gaming, youth sports, and the Department of Human Services.
Once HF778 is enacted, bettors will be able to place wagers on mobile apps licensed to sportsbooks at tribal entities and at traditional brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.
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