Minnesota is one of the 11 states - and the only one in the Midwest - that have not legalized sports betting.
While there have been attempts to bring legal sports wagering to the North Star State, they have all been in vain. However, with heavy regional pressure and the ever-present opportunity to generate more tax funding for the state, debates over legalization will inevitably continue.
With that in mind, here’s a look at Minnesota’s sports betting scene, the potential timeline, and the path to legalization.
Minnesota sports betting: Where things stand
Minnesota does not allow sports betting online or at tribal casinos, grouping it with the 22% of states that prohibit the pastime.
The state’s opposition to sports betting doesn’t have strong regional roots, unlike Georgia and Alabama, nor traditional reasons, unlike Utah. Instead, a deadlock between gaming stakeholders has stymied progress when the opportunity was presented.
Disagreements between Minnesota’s 11 Native American tribes, which hold exclusive gaming rights over casinos, are at odds with the state’s two horse racing tracks, who believe they should be allowed to offer in-person and mobile sports betting.
There also isn’t a prevailing opinion among state officials. There has been bipartisan support, as well as bipartisan disapproval, of legal sports betting. Most of the concerns relate to different areas of problem gambling, such as addiction and economic hardship.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
What's next?
While sports betting remains illegal in Minnesota, the state could become a hotbed for prediction platforms, such as Kalshi and Robinhood. These platforms allow customers to purchase contracts associated with the outcome of sports events, such as whether the Detroit Lions will beat the Minnesota Vikings.
The state already missed out on a huge opportunity the last two years, when the Minnesota Timberwolves made back-to-back trips to the NBA conference finals. States with well-performing sports teams in the postseason tend to report increased handles.
While the state hasn’t made much progress toward figuring out a compromise to bring legal sports betting inside its jurisdiction, it has been committed to fighting against illegal operators.
Near the start of November, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sent 14 cease-and-desist letters to illegal online casinos and sweepstakes casino sites.
There is still optimism that 2026 could be the year Minnesota finally gets a piece of sports betting legislation over the line.
“We're starting to get our feet back under us and trying to move forward with things,” DFL Rep. Brad Tabke said in September.
Conversations regarding legalization are expected to center on a system in which state tribes are at its heart.
Notes and quotes
“The exclusivity part of this bill is not really negotiable, in my opinion ... I had an advocate for a different approach this morning who called and said, ‘Well, we know we'll have to have exclusivity if we're going to pass anything.’” - DFL Sen. Nick Frentz
“By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our State’s laws, and I will not stand for it.” - Attorney General Keith Ellison
“We need to get a framework in place for making sure that we are able to keep this a well-regulated market and not have so many folks that are stealing money out of the state of Minnesota.” - DFL Rep. Brad Tabke
Year in review
Nov. 5, 2025: AG Ellison sends 14 cease-and-desist letters to various illegal gambling sites.
Oct. 3, 2025: Minnesota pressures offshore sportsbooks, sweepstakes casinos, and prediction markets to shut down their operations in Minnesota
Sept. 11, 2025: The push to legalize sports betting is expected to spill into 2026, according to recent comments from state officials.
April 24, 2025: Senate Bill 3414, which would legalize sports betting, is under consideration in the Senate.
Feb. 13, 2025: A bill to legalize sports betting failed to advance past the first Senate Committee hearing.
