- A longtime Minnesota opponent of sports betting will hold a public hearing on the dangers of betting
- Sen. John Marty (DFL-40) has scheduled an informational hearing on economic, health, and social harms of online sports betting for next week
- Marty is planning on re-filing another sports betting bill this year that dedicates majority of tax revenue to problem gaming funds
The 2025 Minnesota legislative session is just weeks away but one Senator isn’t waiting to have his thoughts on online sports betting be heard.
Sen. John Marty (DFL-40) has scheduled an informational hearing with the Senate Finance Committee for Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. to discuss the economic, health, and social harms resulting from online sports betting.
Marty has been a longtime opponent of Minnesota sports betting, citing the harm it can impose on state residents with problem gaming habits.
More Funding for Problem Gaming
Marty’s hearing will take place less than a week from the official start of Minnesota’s legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Several Minnesota lawmakers have already expressed interest in continuing the state’s sports betting discussion after it came close to being approved in 2024.
Marty took a different strategy against sports betting during the 2024 session, deciding to introduce his own sports betting bill rather than opposing the measure outright. He introduced bill SF 5330 to the Senate to provide Minnesota tribes with sports betting exclusivity, but earmarking the vast majority of sports betting revenue to combat problem gaming in the state.
His bill instituted a 40% sports betting tax on gross revenue and dedicated 75% of tax revenues to problem gaming funds. Marty’s legislation distributed sports betting tax revenues as follows:
- 50% to the commission of human services. Half of the revenue will fund compulsive gambling treatment programs and half will be for a grant to the state affiliate recognized by the National Council of Problem Gambling to be used to increase public awareness of problem gambling, provide education and training
- 25% to the commission of education for grants for addiction prevention and mental health services in public and charter schools
- 25% to the general fund
Marty has reported he will most likely be refiling another sports betting bill this legislative session. Last year, he repeatedly mentioned that he does not believe sports betting will be a large revenue driver in the state and will only add taxpayer costs for the treatment of gaming addiction.
Sports Betting Will Be Hot Topic
The North Star State came as close as it ever has in 2024 to passing a bill to legalize online and retail sports betting, with state tribes, racetracks, and charities coming to a deal for the first time in history as to the best way to distribute tax revenues amongst the three parties. The hope for many Minnesota lawmakers is discussions will continue to build during the 2025 session and a bill will finally be able to cross the finish line.
A deal between the tribes, tracks, and charities still seems to be in place as legislators prepare for the Jan. 14, 2025 start date. Peter Callaghan, a staff writer for the Minnesota Post, reported in November that Taro Ito, President and CEO of Running Aces, one of the largest horse tracks in Minnesota, sent a letter to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association pledging to work through any differences to get a sports betting deal on the table for state legislators
Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-26) has already pledged on social media to continue to work towards a sports betting deal. Miller has introduced several pieces of sports betting legislator, including last year’s “Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0” bill. The bill called for retail and online sports betting licensing opportunities to Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, but also allowed state racetracks and/or professional sports stadiums to operate retail sports betting on their premises.
It would have set the state’s tax rate at 15% on sports betting revenue and provided for charitable gaming tax relief for local charities.
Miller took to social media to pledge that he’ll be working towards passing a bill this year.
“There’s one thing that’s certain, it is time to pass a sports betting bill here in Minnesota. Of course the primary focus for the 2025 legislative session will be the budget, but I remain committed to working together to get a sports betting bill passed here in Minnesota as quickly as possible. We made tremendous progress last year, we almost got there, but we didn’t quite get across the finish line,” he said.
Minnesota Senator to Address Public on Risks of Sports Betting
Minnesota Senator John Doe is set to address the public on the risks associated with sports betting in an upcoming event. With the recent legalization of sports betting in many states across the country, including Minnesota, Senator Doe believes it is important to educate the public on the potential dangers of this activity.
Sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of Americans participating in this form of gambling. While some may see it as a harmless form of entertainment, Senator Doe wants to make sure that individuals are aware of the potential risks involved.
One of the main concerns surrounding sports betting is the impact it can have on individuals who may be prone to developing a gambling addiction. Studies have shown that problem gambling can lead to financial difficulties, relationship problems, and even mental health issues. By addressing these risks, Senator Doe hopes to encourage responsible gambling practices among the public.
In addition to the potential for addiction, sports betting also raises concerns about match-fixing and corruption in sports. The integrity of sports competitions can be compromised when individuals have a financial stake in the outcome of a game. Senator Doe will discuss these issues and highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity of sports.
Overall, Senator Doe’s address aims to inform the public about the risks associated with sports betting and encourage responsible gambling practices. By raising awareness about these issues, he hopes to protect individuals from the potential harms of this activity and promote a safe and enjoyable sports betting experience for all.
