Minnesota inches closer to regulated sports betting, bill clears House committee
If passed, it would give state Tribes control over both casino and mobile sports wagering.
Minnesota has moved one step closer to regulated sports betting throughout the state. A bill proposed by Democrats to establish legalized sports betting has moved past the House committee, according to a local report from KNOX News Radio.
The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee recently passed the bill with a vote of 10 to six. The bill will move now to be reviewed by the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.
If legislated, the bill would allow state tribes to control in-person wagering in both their casinos and through wagers placed with mobile devices, according to the KNOX report.
A committee told the radio station that “progress is being made on a deal that would include the state’s two horse tracks, which are not yet part of the bill.”
However, the bill’s advancement has been met with mixed reactions. While representatives from both the Minnesota Indiana Gaming Association and from DraftKings testified for the bill, others have pushed back against possible legislation.
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Executive Director Leah Patton told KNOX News Radio she opposed the bill.
Patton voiced her concerns for regulated sports betting within the state, saying that it would “bring access to gambling into every home, school and workplace in our state 24 hours a day.”
Patton also brought up the impact she believes a statewide regulated sports betting market could have on problem gambling.
She commented: “We believe this will create more problem gamblers and intensify the struggle of those already dealing with gambling addictions.”
However, she noted to KNOX that she “is pleased that the bill would restrict betting to those 21 and older.”
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