May22
Sports Betting In Minnesota Blocked By MIGA
January 19, 2019 Alex Hoffmann
According to the latest reports on legalized gambling activities across the United States, there has been a change in politics around the burning issue of sports betting in Minnesota. In a letter from Charles Vig, chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, it is said that the tribes are not interested in pursuing a sportsbook any time soon.
The state governor, Tim Walz, along with a group of four legislative leaders, has also been informed that MIGA will even oppose any future expansion of gambling outside the reservation, which implies to wagering on sports as well.
Moreover, the tribes have formed an unusual coalition with Citizens Against Gambling Expansion, a group who also opposed sports betting and other effects of gambling, such as addiction.
No Veto Over Non-Tribal Gambling
Despite the tribes’ decision to oppose all types of off-reservation gambling in the state, it is Tim Walz and the House majority who have the last word. Although the federal law now entitles sportsbooks to operate across all territories, Minnesota is backing down from regulating its sports betting sector – even a draft bill that circulated at the State Capitol didn’t receive formal .
The chair of Senate Taxes Committee, Roger Chamberlain, expressed his disappointment in the tribes’ position by stating:
“We met with them and while they’re not necessarily in alignment they are obviously concerned about losing their economic base, the economic engine.
We understand that. We’ve reassured them that we’re not interested in harming that interest or jeopardizing tribal compacts.”
Still, Chamberlain stays optimistic and believes that another round of negotiations could be a winning scenario for the state:
“There’s no reason to shut out the rest of the state and the rest of the potential consumers and players and operators from taking part in a perfectly safe and legal business. We hope to get to a place where everyone can agree and I think we can.”
Hard Choice For Tribal Casinos
Offering sports betting products isn’t the only burning question for tribal gambling; it also includes other aspects, such as remote betting, which is currently not a part of the state law.
On the other hand, casinos are worried that wagering on sports isn’t very profitable, especially since it would be limited to the boundaries of reservations.
However, as Chamberlain put it: “In this economy and culture you need mobile access to be profitable,” meaning that the legislation must cover rural and distant territories within the state’s border as well.
Charles Vig, chair of SMSC of Minnesota expressed his opinion:
“While there is a desire by some to consider this matter during the present session, it seems that the public interest would be best served first by careful study of sports betting’s implications in this state, examination of other states’ experiences where sports betting has been legalized, and thorough consultation with the large number of stakeholders interested in it.”
Walz remains convinced that a round of hearings and further discussion could eventually change the tribes’ decision and initiate full-scale sports betting in the following months.
Source:
“Legalized sports betting may be coming to Minnesota. Just not anytime soon.”, Peter Callaghan, minnpost.com, January 17, 2019.
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Seems a bit tough at the moment, but I’m certain that sportsbooks will go live at some point. It’s practically inevitable ever since the overturn of paspa, so just stay tuned.