Miller makes third attempt to pass Minnesota sports betting bill

Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0 Jeremy Miller
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Minnesota State Sen. Jeremy Miller is making another attempt to bring wagering to the state with the introduction of an updated sports betting bill.

Miller has released the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0, a reiteration of the Senator’s previous legislative efforts to bring sports betting to the Gopher State. The bill builds on Miller’s previously failed efforts to pass a sports wagering measure in Minnesota in the past two legislative sessions. The Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0 is a proposal that takes into consideration ideas from both sides of the aisle in an effort to see the bill make progress.

“So far, 39 other states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have already legalized sports betting,” said Miller. “This updated proposal combines ideas from the last two versions of my Minnesota Sports Betting Act along with proposals from other sports betting bills that have made progress in the legislature.”

Potential framework in Minnesota

The Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0 proposes the state’s 11 federally recognized tribes hold a license for online and/or retail sports wagering. With only 11 sports betting operator licenses available, the measure calls for up to 11 sports betting supplier licenses.

Under the measure, licenses that are awarded to online operators are valid for 20 years.

Miller’s past two iterations of the measure also authorized 11 licenses tied to tribes. The measures also proposed retail wagering at card rooms and pro sports team venues.

Under Miller’s latest legislative effort, operators are taxed at a 20% rate on online sports wagering net revenue while any wager placed on tribal land is not subject to the tax.

In past versions of the measure, Miller proposed wagering to be taxed at a 15% rate.

Miller estimates the state to generate $80 million in revenue annually from the 20% rate.

Under his measure, 50% of tax revenue from sports betting would be allocated toward tax relief on charitable gaming while 25% would be deposited into an account designed to bring major sporting events to Minnesota. The Minnesota Racing Commission would receive 20% while problem gambling efforts and grants for youth sports each receive 2.5%.

Past versions of the Sports Betting Act saw revenue allocated to the same categories.

Lawmakers discuss impact of sports betting

Miller has released his latest sports betting bill after the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee held an informational hearing last week to discuss the economic impact and social harms of regulated wagering. The hearing, led by Sen. John Marty, covered various topics and concerns regarding the popularity of sports betting including illegal gambling operations, VIP programs, responsible gaming, gambling disorders and economic impact.

Miller will continue to advocate for sports betting as his latest bill moves forward.

“Minnesota continues to miss out on what is now a $150 billion industry,” continued Miller. “We were on the brink of success last year; I strongly believe 2025 could be the year we get this across the finish line.”

Lack of progress in Minnesota

Marty and Rep. Zack Stephenson have also tried to bring sports betting to Minnesota.

In 2024, Marty introduced Senate Bill 5330 as a measure that authorized online sports betting in Minnesota with up to 11 wagering licenses available.

SB 5330 was referred to the State and Local Government and Veterans Committee where it failed to progress but Mary plans to refile a bill this legislative session.

Stephenson also made an effort to legalize sports betting in 2024 by introducing House Bill 2000, which was approved by the Minnesota House Taxes Committee. It was later referred to the Ways and Means Committee where it died after a series of amendments.