Rep. Garofalo: ‘There’s a better chance than not’ that sports betting passes this session

Pat Garofalo speaks in the 2016 session.
Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington during a legislative session in 2016.
Jim Mone | AP 2016

A state lawmaker who supports legalizing sports betting thinks the odds are good that the Legislature will pass a bill this session.

Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer that a majority of U.S. states now have legalized some form of sports gambling. He said lawmakers in Minnesota would need to decide who would be able to offer sports gambling at what facilities and what taxes and regulations would apply.

In the past, Native American tribes that own and operate casinos in Minnesota have opposed legalizing sports betting.

Gov. Tim Walz has said he'd only sign a bill if it has tribal agreement.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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