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Sports betting in Minnesota is still illegal, but the state is slowly moving toward legalization. Several new bills were introduced in 2025, but none have passed yet. However, the growing discussions show that change might not be far away. Here’s a clear look at where Minnesota stands, what has been proposed, and when sports betting could finally become legal.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Minnesota?
No, sports betting is not legal in Minnesota right now. Since 2019, lawmakers have attempted to legalise it on several occasions, but without success. After the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowed states to make their own rules, most states legalized sports wagering but Minnesota still hasn’t joined them.
Currently, the only legal gambling options connected to sports are:
- Horse race betting at authorized venues like Canterbury Park and Running Aces
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests, offered by platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, which operate in a legal gray area
Recently, platforms like Underdog Fantasy have started offering “sports event ”contracts” prediction markets that let users guess outcomes for profit. These are not traditional sports bets, but they show that the market is slowly opening up.
Residents should be cautious, though betting through offshore sites or unlicensed operators remains illegal and carries significant risks.
Ongoing Efforts to Legalize Sports Betting in Minnesota
Minnesota lawmakers have made several attempts to pass sports betting bills, but disagreements have kept them from moving forward.
In January 2025, Senator Jeremy Miller introduced the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0, which aimed to allow all 11 tribal nations in the state to run both online and retail sportsbooks. Each tribe would have one license under this bill.
Then, in April 2025, a separate bill called Senate Bill 3414 was introduced to regulate mobile betting and fantasy contests.
However, in May 2025, even a small proposal to study sports betting was rejected when the Senate Taxes Committee voted it down.
The main reasons behind these repeated failures include:
- Tribal exclusivity: Minnesota’s tribes want full control over sports betting rights.
- Racetrack inclusion: Racetracks like Canterbury Park want their own share of licenses.
- Tax disagreements: Lawmakers still debate how much tax operators should pay proposals range from 20% to 22% on revenue.
- Addiction concerns: Some lawmakers worry about gambling addiction and potential financial harm to citizens.
When Could Sports Betting Become Legal?
Despite early optimism, sports betting bills in Minnesota failed again in May 2025 when the legislative session ended.
Looking ahead, there’s hope for 2026, but progress depends on lawmakers and tribal leaders reaching a deal that satisfies everyone.
If approved, the Minnesota Gaming Control Board will handle regulation, licensing, and tax distribution. The final plan would likely include both mobile and retail betting options, giving players multiple ways to participate legally.
Are Any Sports Betting Apps Legal in Minnesota?
At the moment, no legal sports betting apps operate in Minnesota. Popular platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars cannot legally take bets from Minnesota residents.
However, locals still have some alternatives:
- Daily Fantasy Sports apps: DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks allow users to compete in fantasy-style contests.
- Social sportsbooks: Platforms like Thrillzz and ProphetX offer free prediction games using virtual currency instead of real money.
The state’s Gaming Control Board has hinted that official sports betting apps could go live in early 2026, once legislation is finalized.
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