Legal sports betting in Minnesota has been a topic of ongoing discussion and legislative efforts for several years, but despite multiple bills introduced and some progress in committees, no legalization has yet been achieved. Key recent developments include Senate Bill 3414 under consideration in 2025 to regulate mobile sports betting and daily fantasy sports, though earlier bills have failed to advance or were amended to remove critical provisions like in-game wagering. Political complexities, such as split legislative control and the departure of key advocates, have further complicated the path to legalization. Tribal leaders remain optimistic about gaining exclusivity over sports betting operations if legislation passes.
The timeline shows a steady stream of legislative activity dating back to 2018, with notable moments including bipartisan efforts in 2022 and 2023, the introduction of the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, and Governor Tim Walz expressing readiness to sign a bill if passed. Despite setbacks, such as bills failing to be voted on or advancing only partially, public support appears moderate, with polls indicating nearly half of Minnesotans favor legal sports wagering. Neighboring states like Iowa continue to benefit financially from Minnesota’s delay, underscoring the economic incentive for legalization.
