Minnesota Making Progress Towards Legalizing Sports Betting

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
11/08/2024
Sports Betting
Minnesota Making Progress Towards Legalizing Sports Betting
Photo by Governor Mark Dayton, CC BY 2.0

Key Takeaways

  • Running Aces Casino had been an opponent of previous sports betting bills
  • Sources say the state is as close to a deal as they have ever been
  • Tuesday’s election brings a major shake-up to the Minnesota legislature

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is inching closer to making a legal sports betting market a reality. 

The Running Aces Casino sent a letter to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association supporting a deal to legalize sports betting. The casino had been a significant roadblock for industry proponents but now appears ready to make a deal after years of failed negotiations. While talks for 2024 have been over for some time, the Casino’s change in position is a promising sign for 2025.

Casino Looking for Compromise

The letter sent by Running Aces Casino focused on creating a compromise between tribal casinos, horse tracks, and charitable gaming groups. Below is an excerpt of the letter sent to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association:

"Running Aces understands the importance of tribal gaming in Minnesota and the economic support that it provides to each of the sovereign tribal nations in this state. We also believe that racetracks, tribal casinos, and charitable gaming all provide important and distinct benefits to the communities we each serve and broad benefits to all Minnesotans. Minnesota has demonstrated that all three types of gaming can be successful. We believe it is possible to work through any disagreements and arrive at successful compromises. We are hopeful that legislators and the gaming industry can all work together to ensure passage of a bill that benefits all three of these entities and the communities they serve. Based on numerous public polls, 90% or more Minnesotans support a sports betting bill that is beneficial for the horse industry, tribal communities and local charities, and we are hopeful that the gaming industry can come together, at the Capitol, to pass sports betting legislation that reflects an appropriate compromise. We stand ready to do what we believe is in the best interests of the horse racing industry, employees, and shareholders and provide our full support to a sports betting bill that accomplishes this goal."

Source Says Deal is Close

According to a source of Fox 9 in Minneapolis, legislatures were the closest they have ever been to reaching a deal to legalize sports betting. While the two sides ran out of time to finalize it, new support from Running Aces Casino could lead to it being done by this summer.

Will Election Affect Momentum for Sports Betting?

While legal sports betting has gained momentum, Tuesday’s election results could threaten that. There will be significant changes in all houses of the Minnesota government, with many new faces. Sports betting has gained bipartisan support in the past, but the power shift could change the tone of negotiations.

While sources believe the deal will get done, we won’t know what to expect from the legislature.

Michael Savio covers the US online casino industry, giving readers insights and information they won’t find anywhere else. He has followed the retail industry since his time living in Las Vegas and has continued to do so as the online industry has taken off. Michael covers everything from online casino reviews to industry news, making him one of the most trusted insiders in the business. Check out Michael’s latest articles at casinos.com to see what he has to offer!