Minnesota Legal Sports Betting Overview
MN Sports Betting Law Details
Status
- Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: N/A
- Online Sports Betting Launch Date: N/A
- Expected Licensed Sportsbooks: BetMGM, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet
- Expected Legal Wagering Options: N/A
- Legal Gambling Age in MN: 18+
- Expected Sports to Bet On: N/A
- Expected Permitted Banking Options: N/A
- Minnesota Gambling Regulator: N/A
Minnesota currently prohibits both online and retail sports betting. Despite several attempts to legalize sports betting by various lawmakers, opposition from the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association has hindered these efforts. The most recent legislation, HF 778, passed the House in May 2022, but did not progress further before the legislative session ended. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association is concerned about the potential impact of sports betting on their gaming revenues. Any future legislation will likely involve partnerships with tribal casinos for retail sports betting. HF 778 would have allowed sports betting at non-tribal casinos located at racetracks as well. The next opportunity to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is expected in 2023.
To learn more about sports betting in Minnesota, including the possible sports to bet on, legal restrictions, and the latest legislation, read our comprehensive guide below.
Minnesota Online Sportsbooks Summary
Online sports betting remains illegal in Minnesota. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association holds significant influence over the legalization of sports betting in the state, and their opposition to past bills has prevented progress. The association represents the state’s 11 tribes, which operate 19 tribal casinos. Once online sports betting is legalized, major operators like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars are expected to partner with tribes to offer their sportsbooks in the state. In the meantime, Minnesotans can engage in online horse racing betting with platforms like TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica, or participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) through sites like ESPN, Boom, Yahoo!, FantasyDraft, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Alternatively, residents can travel to neighboring states like Iowa, where legal online wagering is available.
How to Place a Bet in Minnesota
If you’re in Minnesota and interested in betting, currently the only legal option is online horse race betting. Follow these steps to place your bets:
- Research your chosen horse race, considering factors like horse form, track conditions, and expert tips.
- Visit a legal horse racing betting site such as TVG, TwinSpires, or BetAmerica.
- Register for an account by providing required details like email, full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information is necessary for account verification and security purposes.
- Confirm that you are at least 18 years old and agree to the site’s terms and conditions.
- Visit the cashier section of the site and choose a payment method for making a deposit. Ensure you deposit enough to qualify for any welcome bonuses.
- Select a horse race and choose a bet based on your research. Add the bet to your bet slip, indicate your stake, and place your bet.
- If your bet is successful, follow the instructions in the cashier section to withdraw your winnings.
Banking Methods Available in Minnesota
When online sports betting becomes legal in Minnesota, various payment methods will likely be available. Some of the common options include bank cards like Mastercard and Visa, popular e-wallets like PayPal, and possibly Apple Pay deposits. It’s important to note that specific payment methods and their availability may vary among different sportsbooks.
Who is Eligible to Bet in MN?
Since sports betting is currently illegal in Minnesota, there are no definitive eligibility criteria for placing bets. However, the legal gambling age in the state is 18. It’s important to keep in mind that certain individuals may be restricted from participating, such as players, coaches, employees, or members of professional or college sports teams, officials or referees of sports leagues, individuals with the authority to influence players or create rules for sports, owners of sports teams, and those with access to non-public information about teams. Additionally, individuals prohibited from gambling activities due to their criminal history or self-exclusion would also not be eligible to bet.
Latest Minnesota Sports Betting Updates
As of now, retail and online sports betting are illegal in Minnesota. The 2022 legislative session closed without legalizing sports betting, and the earliest possible timeframe for legalization is expected to be 2023. The approval of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association is crucial for any sports betting bill to pass, and tribal casinos will likely be the primary locations for retail sportsbooks.
Current Sports Betting Status in Minnesota
Retail and online sports betting are currently illegal in Minnesota. However, online horse racing betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are available in the state.
Timeline for Sports Betting in Minnesota
- July 9, 2022: Sen. Bigham suggests a potential special legislative session in August to discuss the legalization of sports betting in Minnesota.
- May 22, 2022: The 2022 legislative session concludes without an agreement on sports betting legislation.
- May 19, 2022: The Minnesota Senate Finance Committee returns HF 778 to the House with a major amendment allowing non-tribal racetrack casinos to operate sportsbooks alongside tribal casinos.
- May 12, 2022: The Minnesota House approves HF 778 with amendments and sends it to the Senate. This version of the bill only allows sports betting licenses for tribal casinos.
- February 4, 2022: Rep. Stephenson introduces HF 778 to the House, a bill to legalize online and retail sports betting.
- February 4, 2021: SF 574, a bill to create a sports wagering commission, is introduced to the Senate but fails to progress. HF 769 and HF 767 are introduced to the House but are referred to the Committee of Commerce Finance and Policy without further action.
- January 28, 2021: Sen. Bigham introduces SF 410 to the Senate, a bill to legalize sports betting. The bill does not gain support and is abandoned.
- January 19, 2021: HF 167, a bill to legalize sports betting, is introduced to the House but is referred to the Committee of Commerce and Finance and later abandoned.
- March 11, 2020: All bills introduced in odd years are carried over to even years. Sen. Chamberlain amends the bill to include in-person registration requirements, but the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association rejects the bill.
- February 28, 2019: Sen. Chamberlain introduces SF 1894, a bill to legalize retail and online sports betting, to the Senate.
- February 18, 2019: Rep. Garofalo introduces HF 1278, a bill to legalize retail and online sports betting, to the House. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association opposes the bill, leading to no further action.
- May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), giving states the right to legalize sports betting.
Minnesota Sports Betting Background
Sports betting has a long history in Minnesota, with early forms of wagering dating back to over two centuries ago. The state’s first horse racing track, Canterbury Downs, opened in 1985. However, despite the growth of the gambling industry, sports betting remained prohibited after the passage of PASPA in 1992.
Since the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, there have been several attempts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. However, bills have faced criticism and opposition from various organizations, including four problem gambling groups concerned about the potential increase in problem gambling. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association has also played a significant role in opposing legislation. The most recent bill, HF 778, failed to pass in the 2022 legislative session.
Future of Minnesota Sports Betting
A poll conducted by KSTP in April 2022 showed that 64% of Minnesotans support the legalization of sports betting, indicating public interest in the activity. However, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association’s opposition to licensing the state’s two non-tribal casinos has created challenges. Lawmakers intend to reintroduce similar legislation when the next legislative session begins in early 2023. There is a potential for a special legislative session in August 2022 to discuss sports betting and other topics after the primary election. If sports betting is legalized, major operators like Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet are expected to enter the market. Retail sportsbooks will likely be limited to tribal casinos, while online sports betting may be restricted to casino grounds.
Minnesota Sports Betting Locations
Minnesota is home to 19 tribal casinos and two racetrack casinos that operate licensed card casinos. Tribal casinos are expected to host retail sportsbooks in the future, while the inclusion of non-tribal racetrack casinos in legislation remains uncertain. Those looking to bet on sports can also explore options in nearby states like South Dakota, Iowa, or even travel to Ontario, Canada, for online sports betting.
Minnesota Lottery Locations
The Minnesota State Lottery, established in 1990, operates independently from sports betting in the state. While some discussions have mentioned the potential involvement of the lottery in regulating sports betting, it’s more likely that a new regulatory body, such as the Minnesota Sports Wagering Commission or the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, would oversee the industry.
Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations
Retail sportsbooks will be exclusive to casinos in Minnesota, and no sportsbooks are expected to be launched at stadiums or sports venues. The inclusion of non-tribal racetrack casinos in sports betting legislation remains uncertain. Off-track betting (OTB) is legal in the state, but facilities can only be found at the two horse racing tracks: Canterbury Park and Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack Race Book.
Minnesota Responsible Gambling Resources
Minnesota offers resources and support for responsible gambling. Key organizations include:
- National Council of Problem Gambling Minnesota: Provides access to helplines, screening tools, and links to local treatment facilities. Contact: (800) 522-4700
- Gamblers Anonymous: Offers meetings, a screening guide, and a recovery program for problem gamblers. Contact: (855) 222-5542
- GetGamblingHelp: Operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, this resource offers information on treatment options, recovery stories, and advice through various social media channels. Contact: (800) 522-4700
Please note that Minnesota does not have a central gambling self-exclusion program, but individual casinos may offer self-exclusion options. The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides free problem gambling recovery treatment for all residents, even if their insurance does not cover it.
Teams to Bet on in Minnesota
Professional Sports
- Minnesota Vikings: The NFL’s Minnesota Vikings have a rich history, although they have yet to win a Super Bowl despite reaching the playoffs multiple times. The team plays at the US Bank Stadium and has a passionate fan base.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves have produced notable players like Kevin Garnett, and their home games are held at the Target Center.
- Minnesota Twins: The MLB’s Minnesota Twins have achieved three World Series victories and play their home games at Target Field.
- Minnesota Wild: The NHL’s Minnesota Wild represents the state and plays at the Xcel Energy Center.
- Minnesota Lynx: As part of the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx have won four Championships, making them a respected team in women’s basketball.
College Sports
- Minnesota Golden Gophers: The University of Minnesota’s teams, known as the Golden Gophers, have a strong presence in various college sports, including football and baseball.
- St. Thomas Tommies: Representing the University of Saint Thomas, the St. Thomas Tommies football team recently moved to NCAA Division I.
Women’s Sports
- Minnesota Lynx: As mentioned earlier, the Minnesota Lynx are a successful WNBA team, having won four Championships.
How Does Minnesota Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage: When sports betting is legalized in Minnesota, prominent operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are expected to enter the market, offering a comprehensive range of professional sports betting options.
Competitive Odds & Prices: Minnesota bettors can expect competitive odds from major sportsbooks that will likely launch in the state. These operators already operate in multiple states and offer consistent odds across their platforms.
Gambling Revenue: As neighboring states like Iowa have legalized sports betting, there is potential revenue loss for Minnesota. Applying Iowa’s revenue per capita to Minnesota suggests significant missed revenue opportunities. Future sports betting legalization would provide the state with additional revenue streams.
Betting Taxes: Sports bettors in Minnesota are required to declare their winnings to the IRS and include them in their state income tax. Specific tax rates applied to sportsbooks and employees involved in wagering are also relevant.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in Minnesota?
Currently, there is no specific regulatory body overseeing sports betting in Minnesota. Different bills have proposed different regulators, including establishing a new body called the Minnesota Sports Wagering Commission or entrusting the responsibility to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. Licensing sportsbook operators would fall under the regulatory body’s jurisdiction, while the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association would also play a role in overseeing the industry.
Unique FAQs
- Is betting legal in Minnesota?
Retail and online sports betting are currently illegal in Minnesota. However, online horse racing betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are available. - Who would govern sports betting in Minnesota?
The regulatory body responsible for overseeing sports betting in Minnesota has not yet been confirmed. Proposed regulators include the Minnesota Sports Wagering Commission or the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. - How old would you have to be to bet in Minnesota?
The current legal gambling age in Minnesota is 18. However, proposed sports betting legislation may increase the age to 21. - When will sports betting launch in Minnesota?
Sports betting is not yet legalized in Minnesota. The earliest possible timeframe for legalization is in 2023. - Where will I be able to bet on sports in Minnesota?
Retail sportsbooks are expected to launch at tribal casinos in Minnesota. Previous legislation proposed limiting online sports betting to casino grounds. - Will sportsbooks in Minnesota be safe?
If sports betting becomes legal in Minnesota, a regulatory body will be responsible for licensing and ensuring the safety of sportsbooks. Background checks on staff members, security measures, and problem gambling support protocols will be in place. - Would I have to pay taxes on betting winnings in Minnesota?
Yes, all gambling winnings, including sports betting winnings, must be declared to the IRS, and tax forms may be required. Your gambling winnings will also need to be included in your state income tax filing. - Can you play DraftKings in Minnesota?
DraftKings is not currently available in Minnesota due to the illegality of sports betting. However, residents can access DraftKings by traveling to neighboring states like Iowa that offer legal online sports betting. - Can you play FanDuel in Minnesota?
FanDuel is not accessible for betting in Minnesota at the moment. However, Minnesota residents can visit neighboring states with legal online betting options, such as Iowa or explore online betting platforms available in Ontario, Canada. - Can you play BetMGM in Minnesota?
BetMGM is not available in Minnesota due to the illegality of sports betting in the state. However, BetMGM does offer a mobile sportsbook through a partnership with Diamond Jo Casino in neighboring Iowa.
