Gopher fans are waiting with bated breaths whether 2025 might be the year that sports betting is legalized in Minnesota. Lawmakers have considered several bills pushing for legalization, citing the benefits of a regulated industry in the state, including tax revenue, public funding, and the prevention of illegal betting.
Should sports betting finally be legalized, it is likely to impact fans of many Minnesota sports teams, including “Goldy’s Crew”.
The Current State of Sports Betting In Minnesota
Legislators are looking to legalize and regulate sports betting, but they’re facing strong opposition from problem gambling advocates who are advising a cautionary approach.
Minnesota already has the market for sports betting, as many bettors turn to offshore sportsbooks to place bets on local and national teams and players. Minnesotans who want to learn more about betting at these regulated platforms can read reviews on Card Player to find the best new betting platforms until such time that sports betting is legalized in the state.
Several bills have been proposed, and the latest bill, SB 757, is currently moving through the Senate. This bill proposes to legalize sports betting in Minnesota by partnering with 11 recognized tribes that are offering tribal casinos in the state. Each of the tribes will have a single online betting licence. The bill also provides for the tribes partnering with Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators, as fantasy sports betting remains a gray area in the state.
Should the bill pass, operators will pay 22% tax on revenue. Any bets placed on tribal lands won’t be taxed. This tax revenue will be used to fund major sporting events, the Commissioner of Human Services, and sports programs for the state’s youth. Fantasy contests will be taxed at 15%.
SB 757 is not the only bill currently being considered. The Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0 is also under consideration. Similar to SB 757, the Act also proposes 11 betting licences for the tribes to allow both online and in-person wagering. The bill suggests a 20% tax rate on revenue, which will be allocated similarly to sports events and youth programs. Despite an estimated $80 million that will be generated each year, the state House remains split on the decision.
A third proposal is also being considered: Senate Bill 978. This proposal takes a “safe” approach to sports betting, and is different from the two other proposals as it prohibits certain kinds of sports betting advertising, proposes a 24/7 helpline, and enforces personal betting limits.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, there are hopefuls in Minnesota who believe 2025 will be the year that the 39 other states where it is regulated. This hope is in part due to the headway made towards the end of 2024 before the legislative session ended.
What Legalized Sports Betting Will Mean For Gopher Fans
Legalized sports betting will have major implications for the sports industry in the state. Looking at states where it has been legalized, these impacts are likely to be mostly positive.
Legal sports betting will result in more engaged fans. Although the Gophers have a strong fan base in the state, a regulated betting industry will allow fans to place live bets on games, potentially increasing viewership as well as interaction with team social media content. This will make it more exciting to watch games, as bettors have stakes in the outcome.
Sports betting will also introduce new revenue streams for sports programs. The current bills being considered recommend that tax revenue be allocated to develop youth sports in the state. Sponsorships and partnerships will also introduce revenue to collegiate sports, which will improve program quality, fund scholarships, and improve sporting facilities.
The financial support of major sporting events that will come from legalized betting revenue will likely boost game-day culture. Bigger sporting events mean more entertainment offerings during Gopher games. These events are also likely to attract visitors to the state, and tourism will contribute positively to local businesses.
Unfortunately, downsides should also be considered. A legalized betting industry has the potential to result in match-fixing, which will diminish the entertainment value for Gopher fans. Fans who enjoyed matches purely for recreational value may now perceive these from a financial standpoint. Fan favorites may become distorted, as fans prioritize players based on betting odds.
However, the potential to attract new Gopher fans remains a possibility should betting be legalized. Opening up the sports betting market will likely draw in younger supporters and tech-savvy audiences who will stream games live while placing bets.
Legalizing online sports betting in Minnesota will likely impact engagement and fans in positive ways. The way in which fans interact with and enjoy Gopher games will change, with a more immersive experience through betting on game outcomes. The future of sports betting in the state remains uncertain as several bills are considered, but it is looking increasingly likely that Gopher fans will be able to place bets on the team before the end of 2025.