Minnesota Revives Sports Betting Debate with New Senate Bill to Legalize Mobile Wagering

Lawmakers in Minnesota have renewed efforts to legalize sports betting after a bipartisan group of senators introduced a new proposal that could finally bring regulated wagering to the state.

The legislation, known as SF 4319, aims to establish a legal framework for statewide mobile sports betting, allowing residents to place wagers through licensed apps. If approved, the bill would mark Minnesota’s most recent attempt to join the growing list of U.S. jurisdictions that have regulated sports wagering since the repeal of Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018.

The proposal is backed by Senators Nick Frentz, Jeremy Miller, Eric Pratt, and Julia Coleman. Supporters hope this version of the bill can succeed where previous attempts have stalled in the legislature.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The proposal outlines a regulatory structure designed to launch a controlled and competitive sports betting market in Minnesota. Among its main provisions are:

Up to 11 sportsbook licenses available across the state

A 22% tax rate on sports betting revenue

An initial licensing fee of $250,000

Oversight by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board

A minimum betting age of 21

Shift Toward a Mobile-Only Market

One of the most notable aspects of SF 4319 is its focus on mobile-only sports betting. Earlier proposals attempted to combine retail sportsbooks with online wagering, but disagreements—particularly involving tribal gaming rights and commercial operator access—prevented those measures from advancing.

By eliminating retail betting locations, lawmakers appear to be aligning the proposal with trends in other regulated markets, where mobile platforms typically account for the vast majority of betting activity.

Potential Operators and Tribal Participation

If legalized, Minnesota’s market could attract many of the industry’s leading sportsbook brands, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and theScore Bet. Other operators such as bet365, Bally Bet, and Underdog Fantasy could also enter the market.

Under the bill, several tribal nations would be eligible to hold sports betting licenses, including the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Red Lake Nation, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation, among others.

Possible Launch Timeline

If lawmakers approve the bill during the current legislative session, analysts suggest regulated sports betting in Minnesota could launch as early as 2027. The timeline would allow for regulatory development, licensing procedures, technology integration, and the negotiation of tribal partnerships.

What Comes Next

SF 4319 will now move to committee hearings, where legislators will review its provisions and debate potential amendments. Previous sports betting proposals in Minnesota have stalled at this stage due to disagreements among tribal gaming interests, professional sports organizations, and lawmakers over revenue distribution and market structure.

While bipartisan sponsorship offers some optimism, the path to legalization remains uncertain. For now, sports betting remains illegal within Minnesota, except for limited wagering pools offered at certain tribal casinos.