Minnesota Senator Jeremy Miller Revives Push for Legal Sports Betting with Updated Bill
Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0 Addresses Concerns, Aims for Bipartisan Support
St. Paul, Minnesota – Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) is once again championing the cause of legalizing sports betting in Minnesota. The state has been lagging behind in the rapidly expanding sports betting industry, with 38 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. already allowing it. Senator Miller’s updated bill, the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, aims to address concerns raised by various stakeholders and garner bipartisan support.
Addressing Key Points of Contention
Previous attempts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota faced challenges due to disagreements over key aspects, particularly regarding Native American tribes’ exclusive access to state licenses for sports betting operations. The new bill seeks to find a middle ground, allowing both tribal nations and other entities to participate in the industry.
Key Provisions of the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0
Licensing Opportunities:
– Tribal Nations: Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations will be granted licenses to offer retail and mobile sports betting.
– Non-Tribal Entities: License holders can also operate retail betting at horse racing tracks or professional sports stadiums through partnerships with track operators or sports teams.
Taxation:
– Tax Rate: A 15% tax rate will be imposed on sports betting revenue, in line with the national average.
– Allocation of Tax Proceeds: The tax revenue will be allocated to various purposes, including charitable gaming tax relief, attracting major sporting events, boosting horse racing, providing problem gambling resources, supporting youth sports, and facilitating athlete education programs.
Charitable Gaming Options:
– Restoration of Controversial Options: The bill restores controversial charitable gaming options eliminated in the 2023 tax bill, including free plays and bonus games on electronic pull-tabs.
Addressing Concerns: Horse Racing Tracks and Problem Gambling
In the previous legislative session, Senator Matt Klein introduced an amendment aimed at giving horse racing tracks a share of sports gambling revenue, acknowledging their exclusion from sportsbook operations. The new bill addresses this concern by allowing horse racing tracks to partner with license holders to offer retail sports betting at their facilities.
Opponents of legalizing sports betting often express concerns about the higher risk of gambling addiction among poorer individuals. Statistics from the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling show that people with lower incomes are more likely to experience gambling problems. The bill allocates a portion of the tax revenue to provide problem gambling resources and support.
Conclusion: Striving for a Bipartisan Solution
Senator Miller is optimistic that legalizing sports betting in Minnesota can be achieved this year. The updated bill seeks to address the concerns of various stakeholders, provide opportunities for both tribal nations and non-tribal entities, and generate revenue for various beneficial purposes. The goal is to bring people together and find a bipartisan solution that addresses the needs of all involved parties.