Revised Sports activities Betting Invoice Already a Scorching Subject in Minnesota
Sports activities betting will likely be again on the agenda on the primary day of the 2024 Minnesota legislative session. Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) is redoubling efforts to legalize sports activities betting.
Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) will introduce model 2.0 of his controversial sports activities betting invoice subsequent month. (Picture: Twin Cities Pioneer Press)
Miller has unveiled the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, which he says contains modifications of earlier payments based mostly on his suggestions from legislators and constituents.
In 2023, state lawmakers in St. Paul have been unable to maneuver a number of payments to advance sports activities betting. Such was the case in 2022 as nicely, when lawmakers criticized the method, which killed the hassle for that yr.
Final yr’s sports activities betting payments differed on the extent of unique entry to state operation licenses for the state’s Native American tribes. Native American tribes personal the casinos within the North Star State.
“This up to date proposal combines concepts from my authentic Minnesota Sports activities Betting Act, together with provisions from different sports activities betting payments that have been launched final session,” Miller stated. “The aim of this proposal is to carry of us collectively to work towards a bipartisan resolution to legalize sports activities betting in Minnesota. I strongly consider we will get it performed this yr.”
Miller will introduce Minnesota Sports activities Betting Act 2.0 on February 12.
What’s Included within the Revised Invoice
Miller says the Minnesota Sports activities Betting Act 2.0 contains licensing alternatives for Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations to supply retail and cell sports activities betting. License holders would have the choice to function retail betting on the premises of horse racing tracks or skilled sports activities stadiums in Minnesota.
Sports activities betting income could be taxed at a 15% charge. Tax proceeds, in line with Miller, would offer charitable gaming tax aid to native charities, enhance horse racing, and entice main sporting occasions.
The revised invoice contains some charitable gaming choices eradicated within the 2023 tax invoice, together with free performs and bonus video games on digital pull tabs.
In 2023, an modification to incorporate a portion of the sports activities playing income to the state’s horse racing tracks was thought of a sticking level for some Republicans.
Revised Invoice Faces Early Opposition
Even earlier than the matter comes earlier than lawmakers, there are challenges. Whereas Miller calls the measure 2.0 and says it’s based mostly on modifications and mixed concepts based mostly on earlier efforts, it’s not getting early approval from Canterbury Park.
The sports activities betting proposal doesn’t enable racetracks to carry a license.
We consider that each tracks and tribes ought to have full sports activities betting licenses,” stated Canterbury spokesperson Jeff Maday. “The market is mature sufficient for all of us to succeed. We simply need that chance.”
Miller stated a invoice giving racetracks licensing alternatives doesn’t have the votes to go.
The Senate and Home meet in common session for 120 days within the two-year time period. Minnesota is the one state within the area with no authorized sports activities betting choice.
Thirty-eight states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports activities betting.