Minnesota Senator to present sports betting bill next month

Minnesota Senator Jeremy Miller plans to introduce a bill that would legalize sports betting statewide, according to a local report in the Star Tribune.

Miller’s bill would allow the state’s 11 Tribes to retain exclusive licensing rights for the state’s casinos and for cellphones. Tribes would also be allowed to partner with both racetracks and offer sports betting in Shakopee and Columbus.

Another aspect of the bill would establish a 15% tax on sports betting and amend recent changes to electronic pulltabs.

Miller estimates that this tax rate could generate an additional $60m in taxes annually for the state. Half of the earnings would go to Allied Charities of Minnesota. The group runs pulltab operations at bars around the state.

A portion of the tax revenue would be used to support youth sports, provide integrity education for athletes and toward addressing issues surrounding problem gambling.

Miller told locals news that his proposal is an attempt “to satisfy all involved,” which includes the state’s Tribes, Minnesota’s two horseracing tracks and professional sports teams.

He explained further by saying, “I believe this type of proposal could get the bipartisan support it needs in the Legislature to pass.”

Legislates will meet on February 12 for the first days of the session. Miller plans to introduce the bill during the beginning of the legislative session.

This is not the first time that 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.

Since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in May 2018, online gambling is currently available in more than 35+ states, with 18+ of those allowing for legal online sports wagering.

Amanda Foster

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