In advance of an informational hearing on sports wagering in the Senate Finance Committee tomorrow, Senator Matt Klein (DFL – Mendota Heights), chair of Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and chief author of the 2023-24 Senate sports wagering legislation, released the following statement:
“Minnesotans by large majorities favor the legalization of sports wagering, and do not want their state government to stand in their way. Recent experiences in states that have legalized have provided valuable lessons about consumer safety, and I commend Senator Marty for highlighting those findings. The bill I will introduce in the Senate has the most rigorous protections against problem gambling and underage gambling in the nation. If passed, this bill will make Minnesota the safest state for legal sports wagering in the country. This will be a significant improvement over the status quo, where illicit sports wagering on unregulated offshore platforms is widespread in our state.”
Key protections in the Senate bill include:
- Helpline: A Minnesota-based helpline for problem gambling overseen by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
- Identifying Problem Gambling: Directing the Commissioner to develop strategies for identifying individuals at high risk for problem gambling
- Advertising Restrictions: Prohibitions on advertising in locations such as schools and college campuses, as well as advertisements targeting minors or those identified as problem gamblers
- Wagering Limits: The mandatory establishment of self-imposed limits on daily wagering, with the option to waive these limits.
- Push Notifications: Prohibition on push notifications that promote wagering activity .
- Revenue Allocation: Providing that 10% of revenues be dedicated to the Department of Human services to fund awareness campaigns and treatment programs for gambling
- Delayed Access to Funds: A three-hour delay after money is deposited in a wagering account before the funds can be used.
- Ban on College Proposition Bets: A prohibition on college propositional bets to protect collegiate athletes and ensure the integrity of their sports.
“These provisions and more make this sports wagering proposal represents a comprehensive approach which balances the desire for legal sports wagering with the need for strong safeguards that protect consumers and ensure fairness,” said Senator Klein. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to advance this legislation and establish a safe and fair sports wagering system in Minnesota.”
Senator Klein plans to introduce the sports wagering legislation at the start of the 2025 legislative session, which convenes on January 14.
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