US elections could determine sports betting landscape for Minnesota

Minnesota residents could well see sports betting ushered into the state in the future, however, politics could end up having a big say.

While there is a raft of states looking to legalize sports betting over the coming months and years, Minnesota has somewhat snuck under the radar and it hasn’t been talked about.

So far, Minnesota lawmakers have struggled to break down the barriers to pave the way for sports betting. Multiple sessions have been and gone, and while it did pass the house in 2022, it didn’t garner a single vote this year.

That said, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) executive director Andy Platto is of the belief that momentum is growing and that progress has been made. Speaking at the recent Global Gaming Expo (G2E), Platto said:

“We have a framework that is currently supported by all stakeholders. This is as close as we have ever come. All I can say is that all current stakeholders (are on board), but that could change.”

Political Factors at Play

• Tim Walz, the current governor, has voiced support for legal wagering.

• Walz was tipped as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, raising questions about his future role.

• Lieutenant-Governor Peggy Flanagan could become the first female governor, though her stance on sports betting is unclear.

Legislative Challenges

• Despite passing the house in 2022, the bill failed to gain traction in 2023.

• Of the 134 seats in the Minnesota house, 20 representatives are retiring.

• This includes Pat Garofolo, a key sports wagering bill sponsor.

Stakeholder Involvement

• MIGA supports a framework agreed upon by current stakeholders.

• Tribes remain central to the negotiations.

• Stakeholder consensus could shift depending on political dynamics.

The forthcoming US elections could ultimately decide the fate of sports betting in Minnesota. With shifting political landscapes and uncertainties in leadership, whether wagering becomes legal in 2026 remains an open question.