Minnesota to discuss bill on remote sports betting

Minnesota’s Senate Tax Committee is going to discuss a new bill that proposes to legalise online, mobile and in-person sports betting in the state.

The bill, SF1984, is sponsored by a cross-party group of senators. It would establish and authorise the Minnesota Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the market.

People, above 18 years of age, will be able to place bets on professional and collegiate sporting events, but wagering on virtual events would not be permitted in the state. The new Commission would take responsibility for awarding licences, with operators to be taxed on 6.75 per cent on their sports wagering net revenue.

However, the bill did not state how much the sports betting licences would cost under the new regulations. Language in the bill refers to a fee, but, at present, it does not include an exact figure.

Licences would permit operators to conduct sports betting at racetracks and on tribal land, as well as via a website or mobile application. The bill also allows for operators to enter into third-party agreements to offer such services.

The bill does not clarify whether consumers would need to be located at a licensed facility in order to place a mobile or online wager, or whether this would be possible from anywhere inside Minnesota.

The Minnesota Senate Tax Committee is due to debate SF1984 at a hearing on March 7. Should it progress into law, the bill would become effective from 1 September 2020.