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The gambling industry is salivating over the possibility of fully legal sports betting in Minnesota. It offers a market of millions of fans.
The earnings potential of these companies is enormous. Minnesota Gambling Control Commission. And legal sports betting here could mean a lot more money for the house given the increased excitement of live sports: Americans will bet about $80 billion on legal sports betting from January to November 2022, according to sport handle, Trade magazine.
Sports betting has exploded since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a law banning businesses in all states except Nevada in 2018. Since the decision 31 states Legalizing sports betting in some form, some lawmakers, gambling companies, and allies in sports leagues said the new Legislative Council hoped Minnesota would be the next legislature after its 2022 effort failed. I hope it means
One indication of interest in Polaris: presence of influence operations.Last year, an East Coast lobbyist Patrick Gibbs Registered In Minnesota, we represent gambling companies such as BetMGM, Bally’s and FBG Enterprises. Draft Kings and Fan Duel retained Stinson’s Capitol Fixture Paul Cassidy in 2020. We’re screwed effort 2016 To codify fantasy sports legalized in Minnesota.
Despite strong backing from gambling companies and support from key DFL lawmakers, efforts to legalize sports betting here face some significant hurdles.
Minnesota legislators considered legalizing sports betting in 2022, but the idea fell through as lawmakers couldn’t agree on who would control the new market — who would benefit the most. stalled.
The DFL-controlled House of Representatives worked closely with Tribal States to create a sports betting bill that would not interfere with Tribal State casinos, granting only mobile sports betting licenses to Tribes. Governor Tim Waltz has previously indicated that he would not sign the bill without tribal approval.
Lieutenant Peggy Flanagan is a member of Ojibwe’s White Earth Band, and Waltz has a special interest in protecting the welfare of indigenous peoples and tribal sovereignty.
Tribes who made their fortunes through gambling money were also important contributors to the DFL campaign.
The Shakopee Mudewacanton Sioux Tribe, which owns and operates the Mystic Lake Casino on Prior Lake, donated more than $300,000 to the DFL caucuses and candidates in the November election, according to campaign finance filings.
The Prairie Island Indian Community, which owns and operates the Treasure Island Resort & Casino, contributed more than $250,000 to the DFL caucus during the November election.
Both tribal states also funded Republican committees and electoral candidates, but to a lesser extent. The Shakopee Mudewacanton Sioux tribe contributed approximately $100,000 to Republicans, and the Prairie Island Indian Community contributed approximately $100,000.
In a statement to reformerthe Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) says it supports sports betting in casinos and mobile platforms.
MIGA Executive Director Andy Platto said: He said MIGA will work to develop an approach that “will benefit Minnesotans while protecting Indian gaming businesses that tribal and rural communities rely on for their jobs and economic health.” .
Last year, the state Senate drafted a sports betting bill that would allow mobile sports betting licenses for two racetracks in Minnesota: Shakopee’s Canterbury Park and Columbus’ Running Aces. Tribes have long opposed non-tribal games, as casinos are one of the few major sources of income for tribal nations after centuries of theft of indigenous lands and resources.
DFL Coon Rapids Rep. Zach Stevenson said: reformer He led the push for legal sports betting in the House and plans to introduce legislation similar to the tribal-friendly bill he introduced. last year.
Characterizing himself as a non-gambler, Stevenson said legalizing sports betting, like legalizing marijuana, would allow for regulation and consumer protection.
“This is not considered to be a source of income for Minnesota,” Stevenson said. “I think legalizing sports betting just to fund state finances is a bad idea. We don’t have to do that any time soon,” he said.The state’s projected $17.6 billion budget surplus.
Last year’s sports betting bill proposed a 10% state tax on net earnings raised online. Estimate It will generate about $17.5 million for the state over two years.
10% of that tax revenue goes to regulation and 40% to subsidies to deal with problem gambling (people who have lost control). The grant raises awareness of problem gambling and funds gambling treatment programs. The other half of the tax revenue will be used to support youth and amateur sports.
Under the proposed law, tribes could create their own sportsbooks and betting operations or partner with one of the major sports betting conglomerates such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars and MGM.
Stevenson said many Minnesotans now engage in illegal mobile sports betting through offshore websites. Because this is outside the jurisdiction of Minnesota’s regulatory and tax authorities, these gamblers have no consumer protection and gambling companies do not pay taxes to Minnesota.
It’s unclear whether the sports betting bill has enough support in Congress.At a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce event Wednesday, state House and Senate leaders voted for sports betting ahead of the start of the 2023 season for the Minnesota Vikings. was asked about the possibility of legalizing
Most House and Senate leaders say the odds are 50/50. But East Grand Forks Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson said the chances were less than 50%.
Not everyone in Minnesota wants to legalize sports betting in the state. The Religious Right has long opposed the expansion of gambling. Others, like Terra Carbert, worry about the potential effects that could fuel their gambling addiction.
Carbert is a recovering gambling addict, recovery program I currently host an addiction podcast. She believes there is little awareness of the dangers of gambling addiction and urged lawmakers to act cautiously because legalizing sports betting would mean more addicts in Minnesota. I hope
Recent study Commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Social Services, more than 200,000 Minnesota adults were found to be problem gamblers (56,000) or at risk (162,000). More than 1 in 5 of her Minnesota adults said she was “negatively affected by the gambling behavior of a friend, family member, co-worker, or someone she knew personally.”
Carbert said he is concerned that Minnesota’s current gambling addiction awareness and recovery resources are inadequate to sustain the influx of addicts. “If we’re going to do this, we better make sure everyone knows how to get help.”
“More people exposed to[sports gambling]and more people having access means more people becoming addicted. Are you ready?” Carbert asked.
recently report show that young men who are attracted to both sports and video games are particularly susceptible to the potential compulsion of online sports betting.
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