Minnesota Proposes Unique Sports Betting Legislation with In-Game Wager Ban

11.03.2024

In a significant development within the sports betting landscape, Minnesota’s Senate advanced a bill this week that could potentially position the state as the only one in the United States to outlaw in-game sports wagers.

The bill, which allows Minnesotans to legally bet on their favorite sports teams only before the game starts, has stirred a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of regulating sports gambling.

The Controversial In-Game Bet Ban

The amendment, introduced by Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, aims to address concerns related to problem gambling by prohibiting bets placed after the game has commenced. Rasmusson advocates for a cautious approach, stating, “If we’re taking a product safety approach or are being cautious, this is one common sense thing for us to adopt.” This stance has drawn criticism from major players in the online sportsbook industry and tribal casinos, which stand to gain exclusive rights to state licenses under the proposed legislation.

The Sports Betting Alliance, represented by president Jeremy Kudon and comprising industry giants such as FanDuel and DraftKings, has voiced strong opposition to the ban. Kudon highlighted the popularity of in-game betting, noting that it accounts for 50% of all bets in the U.S., and argued that the amendment could significantly reduce the state’s potential revenue from legalized sports gambling.

House Bill Discrepancy and Legislative Outlook

The Minnesota House of Representatives is concurrently reviewing a separate bill that does not include the in-game wagering exclusion. Rep. Pat Garofalo, a long-standing proponent of legalization, has expressed his intent to oppose any final version that incorporates the ban, deeming it a “poison pill” for the establishment of a regulated sports gambling market in the state.

Despite the contention, Sen. Matt Klein, the bill’s author, remains steadfast in his belief that including the ban is prudent to ensure Minnesota enacts the “safest sports wagering bill in the nation.”

“The prohibition on in-game wagering just says get all your betting lined up before the whistle blows and then you’re done for that game,” he added.

Our Comment on the Article

Minnesota’s proposed sports betting legislation, with its unique stance on in-game wagering, underscores the delicate balance states must strike between enabling sports betting, protecting consumers, and maximizing revenue. While the bill aims to set a precedent for responsible gambling, the backlash from industry stakeholders highlights the challenges in aligning legislative measures with market realities.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be crucial to observe how Minnesota navigates these complexities and whether the proposed ban on in-game betting will set a new standard or necessitate future revisions to accommodate evolving sports betting practices.