Minnesota Could Have Sports Betting Before 2025 Super Bowl
Momentum for legal sports betting in Minnesota is reportedly building as Running Aces Casino has shifted its stance in favor of a compromise. This recent change is significant, as Running Aces previously played a role in blocking sports betting legislation, putting it at odds with other stakeholders.
The official Super Bowl LIX football for the 2025 Super Bowl. (Source: Getty Images)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:As reported by Fox News affiliate Fox 9, the casino has reached out in support of an agreement that aims to balance the interests of tribal casinos, horse racing tracks, and charitable gaming organizations. This backing could move Minnesota closer to allowing legal sports betting by the 2025 Super Bowl.
Related: Super Bowl Betting Surge Sees Thousands of Bets per SecondEfforts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota have been underway for years. State lawmakers have discussed the issue repeatedly, with advocates working to draft and pass legislation. During the 2024 legislative session, a bill aimed at legalizing sports betting was brought forward, and advocates felt progress was within reach. However, opposition arose from horse racing tracks like Running Aces, and the legislation ultimately stalled. This recent shift in support from Running Aces comes as a notable development, as the casino's opposition was a major barrier in the past.
On Election Day, Running Aces sent a formal letter to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, expressing its support for a cooperative approach to sports betting that would benefit multiple stakeholders. Running Aces acknowledged the importance of tribal gaming in Minnesota and its economic contributions to the state's tribal nations.
The casino emphasized its belief that racetracks, tribal casinos, and charitable gaming entities each provide unique advantages to Minnesota communities and contribute to the state's overall welfare. Running Aces expressed optimism that disagreements could be resolved to create a compromise that would fairly benefit these entities.
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In the message to the gaming association, Running Aces highlighted that Minnesota has historically shown that diverse gaming forms can thrive concurrently. The letter pointed out that public polling shows strong support for sports betting, with around 90% of Minnesotans favoring legislation that would benefit the horse racing industry, tribal communities, and local charities.
Running Aces conveyed its willingness to collaborate with legislators and other gaming entities to pass a sports betting bill that serves the interests of each of these groups and the communities they represent. Running Aces expressed readiness to support a bill that aligns with the interests of the horse racing industry, its employees, and shareholders.
Following Running Aces' letter, an unnamed source close to the ongoing negotiations shared insights with FOX 9 on the progress made by various stakeholders. According to the source, those involved in the talks are closer to an agreement than they have been in past attempts to legalize sports betting.
The source expressed optimism that if discussions continue to move forward, it's feasible for legal sports betting to be in place in Minnesota by the start of the 2025 NFL season. Such a timeline would allow Minnesotans to legally participate in sports betting activities in time for major sports events, including the Super Bowl.
Despite these positive developments, many details remain unresolved as lawmakers work toward a final bill. The specific regulations, tax structures, and distribution of revenue between the entities involved still need to be negotiated.
However, Running Aces' public endorsement of a compromise-based approach suggests that meaningful progress has been made. With strong public support for legal sports betting in Minnesota and a newfound willingness from previously opposing stakeholders to work together, the prospect of legalizing sports betting before the 2025 Super Bowl appears increasingly plausible.
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