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Minnesota Lawmakers To Consider New Sports Betting Bill
February 20, 2019 Alex Hoffmann
Approximately one month after MIGA’s decision to block sports wagering in Minnesota, the state lawmakers are getting ready to consider a new bill that could launch full-scale betting on sporting events at tribal casinos, a report reads.
Pat Garofalo, who introduced the latest Safe and Regulated Sports Gambling Act of 2019 is also considering further regulative measures for the state’s sports betting market by creating the Minnesota Sports Wagering Commission.
According to the framework, in-person wagering could only become legal at tribal casinos across the state, including placement of bets via mobile and other electronic devices while at property’s premises.
Two Types of Licenses
As betting from more than 20 feet away from the venue would be blocked, it is also important to mention that customers could only place bets on those sports and events, authorized by the newly formed Commission. This currently covers US collegiate sports, whereas daily fantasy competitions remain forbidden.
Therefore, operators would be able to acquire only two types of licenses – “a sports pool license” as well as the “electronic sports pool license.” In addition, all land-based casinos should be able to apply for both gambling permits (pricing has not been revealed).
Moreover, to increase their offerings and gaming opportunities, casinos would also be allowed to sign arrangements with third-party platforms and run an on-site sports pool. As far as it concerns taxes, the state would have to impose a 0.5 percent fee on each wager – a unique system for the entire sports betting market in the US.
MIGA Still Opposed
According to the report, Mr. Garofalo stated that, if ed, the state of Minnesota would have “the lowest tax rate structure in the nation.” However, MIGA (Minnesota Indian Gaming Association) is still against off-reservation gambling, which includes the legalization of wagering on sporting events within the territory’s borders.
Garofalo also commented the following:
“Legalized sports gambling is not something that lawmakers should unilaterally enact. I am committed to working with stakeholders to build consensus on a deal that works for everyone. Simply put, this cannot get done without everyone on board.”
On the other hand, Cathie Perrault, executive director for the Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance, said that “any legislation that allows more legal gambling in Minnesota should include consumer protections” referring to age verifications and additional funding for problem gambling. Perrault added:
“We will advocate for these inclusions when any bill appears.
If Minnesota es a law that allows sports betting will it attract new gamblers into the legal gaming area, or will existing gamblers just add sports betting into what they already do? We really have no way of knowing.
We hope that the citizens of Minnesota engage with their legislators as discussion of expanded sports gambling begin.”
To date, sports betting has been legalized in Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Source:
“Minnesota considers tribal sports betting proposal”, igamingbusiness.com, February 15, 2019.
“MN Lawmakers Announce Legislation To Legalize Sports Gambling”, William Bornhoft, patch.com, February 15, 2019.
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Lawmakers always find a way. By looking at what other states have already achieved, I doubt MIGA can block the framework for a longer period of time.