Minnesota Indian Gaming Association Executive Director, Andy Platto, expressed confidence at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) that the state will soon legalize sports betting. Despite efforts falling short this year, Platto is hopeful for a bill to pass in 2025 that would benefit all gaming operators in the state.
Platto highlighted a breakthrough in the last session where major stakeholders agreed to support a framework that includes tribal exclusivity on sports betting with a net-revenue tax benefiting gaming entities, racetracks, tribes, and problem gambling initiatives. However, bipartisan cooperation is needed for the bill to pass.
Platto emphasized that tribes are focused on establishing a precedent in the mobile sports betting market before considering igaming. In Washington, tribes have adopted sports wagering on their premises but are exploring the possibility of online gaming, pending changes in state regulations.
The goal is to ensure that any expansion of gambling aligns with tribal sovereignty and benefits all involved parties. Platto further highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to gaming regulations to prevent unauthorized gaming activities in the future.
Overall, the efforts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota are making progress, with key stakeholders working towards a framework that supports tribal sovereignty and ensures the fair distribution of benefits across the state’s gaming industry. As discussions continue, the hope is for bipartisan support to secure the passage of a bill that will bring positive changes to the state’s gambling landscape.
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