US elections could determine sports betting landscape for Minnesota

Article by : Charles Perrin Oct 15, 2024

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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), Plato 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.”

The forthcoming US elections could well have a say on whether Minnesota gets its way with sports betting.

Tim Walz, who is the current governor, has given his backing to legal wagering, and while he was tipped to be Presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ running mate, he may not be the governor for much longer.

Lieutenant-Governor Peggy Flanagan could become the first female governor of Minnesota, and while she supports the tribes, her stance on sports betting isn’t clear.

Of the 134 seats in the Minnesota house, 20 representatives are retiring, and that includes Pat Garofolo, a one-time sports wagering bill sponsor.

A lot of things remain uncertain, but whether politicking will affect the outcome of sports betting coming to Minnesota in perhaps 2026, only time will tell.