Minnesota Sports Betting: Latest Legal Updates (February)
Contents
2022 Minnesota Sports Betting Update
In February of 2022, Minnesota lawmakers made a big push to legalize sports betting in the state. No formal bill has been published yet, but if passed, it would legalize online and brick-and-mortar sports betting at the state’s racetracks and 18 tribal casinos across the state.
As a way to incentivize tribes in Minnesota who have historically presented opposition to sports betting, lawmakers would allow tribes to issue sub-licenses to other operators who would then be taxed by the state on any transactions made outside of tribal lands. Tax rates and licensing fees have yet to be determined.
The last proposal for sports betting in Minnesota came in January of 2021. This proposal was a two-tiered system that saw a first year of retail sports betting only, with online sports wagering coming in the following year. The bill also promised a 6-8 percent tax on sports wagering as well as both collegiate and professional gambling.
Minnesota Sports Betting Overview
Minnesota sports betting has had several attempts at legalization since the overruling of PASPA by the Supreme Court in 2018. This gave states the right to legalize sports gambling on their own terms. However, Minnesota has fallen short with every attempt, for various reasons. One of the most prevalent being differences between the state and the tribal lands of which gambling happens. The major backers of sports betting are American sportsbooks and professional teams throughout the state while the major opposers are tribes. But approval of both are required per the Tribal State Gaming Compacts of Minnesota.
There are 11 tribes in the state of Minnesota who have previously expressed their concern of bringing sports betting to the state, and until February 2022, legalizing the activity seemed completely impossible. Opposition seems to be less adamant as of 2022.
There are currently 18 tribal casinos within Minnesota, and those will be a part of any sports betting legislation to pass. Almost all attempts thus far have included in-person sports betting at these casinos, with online operators being able to come into the state through licenses handed out by said casinos.
Top Five Possible Minnesota Online Sportsbooks
1. DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook is widely considered the top sportsbook in America. While you can play the daily fantasy sports platform in Minnesota, DraftKings Sportsbook will not be available until sports betting is legalized in the state.
DraftKings’ app boasts one of the highest ratings on the Apple App Store and has a ton of amazing features. However, the best part about the app is just how smoothly it runs, with little to no slowing down or crashing.
On top of this, new users to DraftKings Sportsbook get a $1,000 deposit match and a $50 free bet in states that the sportsbook is licensed in. This is a top-tier welcome bonus that puts DraftKings ahead of the curve.
2. FanDuel
FanDuel Sportsbook is another operator that may be more famous for its daily fantasy work, which you can enjoy right now in Minnesota. However, the sportsbook has come on strong. Ever since the company was acquired by Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel has consistently pushed out some of the best sports betting products.
The app and desktop site are both fantastic to use with an aesthetically pleasing design and all the wagers you can handle. FanDuel has one of the widest selections of parlays, including customizable single-game parlays.
FanDuel offers a straightforward welcome bonus to the states that it has launched and is live in. You get a $1,000 no sweat bet when you sign up for FanDuel in a licensed and legal state. We project this same bonus to be offered to Minnesota if sports betting launches.
3. BetMGM
BetMGM is a sports betting, casino, and poker platform run by MGM International Resorts. This is the online application that the massive gambling company has created in partnership with Entain. The app is available in several states and is one of the biggest online operators in the United States.
The app itself is great. The only issue is the fact that it is a bit slow to navigate, and the pages are cluttered. However, the number of wagers, incredible support, and wonderful promotions make it stand out from the crowd.
BetMGM’s current welcome bonus, which we project would be offered to Minnesota bettors, is a $1,000 first bet offer. This first bet offer can be used on a majority of the wagers offered on the site and can help you bank a big profit with your first ever wager.
4. Caesars
Caesars Sportsbook launched its new mobile application after acquiring William Hill earlier this year. Caesars is legal and licensed in the United States and is one of the most reputable gaming companies in the country.
The online sportsbook itself is clean and modern with a classic look to the application and desktop site. There are loads of wagers, including a bunch of international bets. The support is great, offering phone, live chat, and email options. The only complaint has to be the lack of consistent ongoing promotions like you see on other sportsbooks.
Caesars offers the best signup offer in the United States with a $1,250 first bet on Caesars. You can use the promo code “LINEUPSRF” to access this offer. Minnesota will likely receive a similar offer and it makes Caesars an even more enticing option for bettors.
5. BetRivers
BetRivers, formally known as SugarHouse, is becoming one of the go-to sportsbooks for the United States market. In Illinois, BetRivers leads all sportsbooks in terms of market size, and its sports betting platform is a fan favorite.
BetRivers does have some technical issues with its online sportsbook as it is a bit slower than the rest, and browsing wagers can take longer than needed. However, the odds-pricing, support, promotions, and the sheer number of wagers make up for this complaint.
BetRivers currently offers a $250 deposit match bonus at a 100% match rate. This offer would likely be extended to Minnesota if sports betting is legalized and BetRivers launches in the state.
Minnesota Land-Based Casinos
Minnesota has a large number of Native American casinos as well as two racetrack and cardroom locations. These casinos and racetracks will surely be involved in any sports betting that comes to the state.
Black Bear Casino Resort
Address: 1785 MN-210, Carlton, MN 55718
Phone: (218) 878-2327
Canterbury Park
Address: 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, Minnesota 55379
Phone: (952) 445-7223
Fond-du-Luth Casino
Address: 129 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 720-5100
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Address: 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN 55790
Phone: (218) 753-6400
Grand Casino Hinckley
Address: 777 Lady Luck Dr, Hinckley, Minnesota 55037
Phone: (320) 384-7771
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
Address: 777 Grand Ave, Vineland, Minnesota 56359
Phone: (320) 532-7777
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Address: 70 Casino Dr, Grand Portage, MN 55605
Phone: (218) 475-2401
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel
Address: 39375 County Rd 24, Morton, Minnesota 56270
Phone: (800) 946-2274
Little Six Casino
Address: 2450 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372
Phone: (952) 403-5525
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372
Phone: (800) 262-7799
Northern Lights Casino
Address: 6800 Y Frontage Rd NW, Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (844) 554-2646
Cedar Lakes Casino
Address: 6268 Upper Cass Frontage Rd NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633
Phone: (844) 554-2646
Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort
Address: 5616 Prairies Edge Ln, Granite Falls, MN 56241
Phone: (320) 564-2121
Running Aces Harness Park
Address: 15201 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN 55025
Phone: (651) 925-4600
Seven Clans Casino Red Lake
Address: 10200 MN-89, Red Lake, MN 56671
Phone: (888) 679-2501
Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls
Address: 20595 Center St E, Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701
Phone: (800) 881-0712
Seven Clans Casino Warroad
Address: 34966 605th Ave, Warroad, Minnesota 56763
Phone: (218) 386-3381
Shooting Star Casino
Address: 777 SE Casino Rd, Mahnomen, Minnesota 56557
Phone: (800) 453-7827
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Address: 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089
Phone: (800) 222-7077
White Oak Casino
Address: 45830 US-2, Deer River, MN 56636
Phone: (218) 246-9600
Minnesota Sports Teams
Minnesota has a rich sports history and is the base for massive teams with massive fanbases in the Mid-Northwest.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are maybe the most historic franchise in the NFL without a Super Bowl. The team is far and away the winningest NFL team to never win a Super Bowl. Currently, the Vikings sit at 0-4 in the Super Bowl and are 0-3 in their last three NFC Championship games.
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the biggest names in all of professional sports. The team would almost undoubtedly be the biggest for Minnesota State sports betting and would rack in huge handles.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the opposite spectrum of the Minnesota Vikings. While the team has also never won a championship, the Timberwolves are among the five worst winning percentages in all of American sports.
Despite the struggles, the Timberwolves have fielded some great teams and consistently bring in good ratings in the Gopher State. With how large the NBA is, in terms of wagering, the Timberwolves will likely be one of the most bet on teams in Minnesota.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are the MLB franchise that resides in Minnesota. The team has seen much more success in the late 2010s than it did in the early years of the decade, and now heading into 2021 is seen as one of the favorites in the American League.
The Twins could surely drive some good numbers in terms of sports wagering handle in Minnesota. The team is beloved and has been playing fantastic in recent years.
Minnesota Wild
The National Hockey League’s Minnesota representative is the Minnesota Wild. While hockey has not been the biggest sport for wagering, Minnesota has a rich hockey tradition that could very well make the NHL one of the stars of the show.
University of Minnesota
The only FBS school in Minnesota is the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. In recent years the football team has been getting better and better with some massive names entering the NFL. Hopefully, Minnesota can continue its great recruiting and keep itself around the top 25 teams in the nation.
Surrounding States Sports Betting Information
Minnesota is in somewhat of a hotbed for sports betting as more and more states around it legalize and launch sports wagering.
Iowa
Iowa not only has retail but also mobile wagering within its borders. It is the only direct neighbor to Minnesota to have launched sports betting. For now, this is the closest place for bettors in Minnesota to travel and place wagers.
South Dakota
South Dakota was the second neighbor of Minnesota to legalize sports betting; however, the betting has not gone live yet in the state. When it does, it will join Iowa as the closest destinations for Minnesota bettors to bet on sports.
Ontario, Canada
Canada looks to be on the path of legalizing sports betting, and Ontario is seen as likely one of the first provinces to allow sports betting, including mobile sports betting. This would add another neighbor of Minnesota’s to have legalized single-game sports betting.
Michigan, Illinois, Indiana
All three of these states have launched sports betting, both online and retail. Michigan even has online casinos and poker available in its state. These may be the top destinations for Minnesota bettors as these states have the largest variety of sportsbooks and casinos in the area.
Minnesota Sports Betting FAQ
- Is sports betting legal in Minnesota?
- Are online casino games legal in Minnesota?
- Where is the closest place to Minnesota to bet on sports?
- Will Minnesota launch sports betting soon?
- What is the legal betting age in Minnesota?
- Does Minnesota have collegiate sports betting?
- Are offshore sportsbooks safe to use in Minnesota?
- Can I register with a sportsbook now, in Minnesota?
- How can I download the Android app version of a sportsbook?
- Who will regulate sports betting in Minnesota?
Is sports betting legal in Minnesota?
Sports betting is currently not legal in Minnesota. However, due to a Supreme Court Decision in 2018, Minnesota has every right to legalize sports betting if it wishes. For now, there is no live bill that would allow for sports betting to become legal in the state.
Are online casino games legal in Minnesota?
No, there are no bills, regulations, or licensing for online gambling, including online casinos in the state. There are several in-person casinos in Minnesota, and all of these casinos are open for bettors that are 21 years of age or older.
Where is the closest place to Minnesota to bet on sports?
The closest state to bet on sports is Iowa. Iowa has both retail and online sportsbooks. Iowa recently allowed for online registration, so while visiting, there is no need to ever go to a casino if you wish to bet on sports.
Will Minnesota launch sports betting soon?
Things are looking up for Minnesota to legalize sports betting soon. Their biggest hurdle is getting approval of the tribal casinos of which sports betting would be operating at. No formal bill has been released yet but state lawmakers are pushing hard for the launch.
What is the legal betting age in Minnesota?
The legal betting age in Minnesota is 21. If sports betting or online casinos were to be legalized within the state, then 21 would be the legal betting age for those as well. This follows the precedent set by every state with legal sports betting.
Does Minnesota have collegiate sports betting?
There is no sign in either direction on whether sports betting will include collegiate wagering. However, based on states in the area, it seems likely that collegiate betting and in-state collegiate betting would be allowed, while individual collegiate prop-bets would be banned.
Are offshore sportsbooks safe to use in Minnesota?
No, offshore sportsbooks are unregulated and unlicensed in the United States. As a consumer, you have zero protections and legal avenues to use if something were to happen to your account, money, or bet slip when using an offshore sportsbook.
Can I register with a sportsbook now, in Minnesota?
Some sportsbook websites do allow you to make an account, but the account will not come with a welcome bonus, and you will not be able to wager in Minnesota. It is better to visit a state with legal sports betting and make an account with a licensed sportsbook there.
How can I download the Android app version of a sportsbook?
The Android versions of online casinos and sportsbooks are available on the operators’ websites. There, you can find the download link and instructions on how to properly get the application on your phone. Sportsbooks and casinos are prohibited on the Google Play Store.
Who will regulate sports betting in Minnesota?
There is no overseeing body that is 100 percent guaranteed to be the regulators of sports betting in Minnesota. Many states have chosen to go with the State Lottery, and this seems as likely as any entity to oversee sports betting in Minnesota.
