Third Minnesota Sports Betting Bill Emphasizes Responsible Gambling, Prevents Wagering at Schools

Third time’s the charm? Minnesota lawmakers might be hoping so. State Senator John Marty filed a bill to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. It’s the third bill to surface in recent months, though this differs significantly from the others in a few key areas.

About the Newest Minnesota Sports Betting Bill

State Senator John Marty’s SF 5330 bill proposes a 40% tax rate for Minnesota sports betting operators. In contrast, the state’s other bills feature drastically lower tax rates:

• SF 1949: 20% tax rate
• HF 2000: 10% tax rate

I’ll give you one guess which bill the operators will favor.

Other stipulations in SF 5330 include a blanket ban on in-game betting and special geolocation provisions to prevent wagering near schools and on college campuses. Additionally, the bill proposes cool-off periods and betting limits to focus on responsible gambling.

Responsible gambling is one of the bill’s biggest focal points. 50% of the tax revenue generated by MN sports betting would go to the commissioner of human services. The funds allocated to the commissioner would be split—half to problem gambling treatment initiatives and half to marketing and education surrounding responsible gambling.

The remaining 50% is split equally between two causes: half to the commissioner of education, which would focus on mental health programs and addiction treatment in the state’s public schools, and half to Minnesota’s general fund.

The Road Ahead

Three bills are now before the Minnesota legislature. The state’s session comes to a close on May 20, 2024. Think of that as a deadline by which one or multiple bills must jump through various legislative hoops. The following month could be full of heated debate and quick progress for Minnesota sports betting.

Even so, it could be well over a year before Minnesota sees an official sports betting launch. Legalization is just step one. Once a bill is signed, the long and arduous regulatory process begins.

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