ST PAUL, Minn. — Sports betting – a topic with years of history in Minnesota – will once again be in front of legislators when the session starts in February. State Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, sponsored a bill that would legalize sports betting, bringing Minnesota even with neighboring states.
"It is frustrating, especially how long we've been working on it," Miller said. "Every day, every month, every year that goes by, Minnesota is missing out on this huge, huge industry."
In the past, he's brought up other versions of bills concerning sports betting – Miller says this time is different. This bill includes licenses for all 11 tribal nations in Minnesota, and a 15% tax rate, with money going to things like charities, youth sports, and resources for sports gambling addicts, among others.
Previous versions introduced by Miller in years past include a 10% tax rate.
A description of the bill also includes restoring some of the charitable gaming options eliminated by the 2023 tax bill, including free plays and bonus games on electronic pull-tabs.
There are portions that some may not like, especially those holding those licenses.
"There's going to have to be some give and take," Miller said. "None of the stakeholders are going to get everything that they want."
That revolves around racetracks. Those are discussed in this proposal from Miller, but Jeff Maday with Canterbury Park in Shakopee says it's not enough.
"The first thing that stood out was the fact that race tracks would not get full licenses," Maday said.
Under this proposal, racetracks would have to partner with a tribal nation to operate retail betting on the premises. The same would be true for professional sports stadiums.
"The tribal casinos have proven success in gaming as well," Maday said. "We've both been really good stewards of gaming for Minnesota, and that opportunity should be given to both of us."
Miller says he knows this isn't perfect, but any step they can take is a step forward for Minnesota.
"I believe this proposal can bring together stakeholders, can bring together legislators on both sides of the aisle to ultimately pass sports betting this year," Miller said.
We reached out to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association for comment on this proposal, but was told there was none available at this time. We've also reached out to the Minnesota DFL, since this is a Republican proposal, and are waiting to hear back.
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