Cooler but still well above normal this week

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

With only a few days left in the 2022 legislative session, a Minnesota Senate panel advanced legislation Thursday to legalize sports betting in the state.

The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure on a 5-4 vote and sent it to the full Senate for a final vote.

“It’s safe. It’s fun, and a lot of people engage in this activity,” said the bill’s author, Sen. Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes.

The Senate bill differs from one previously passed by the House. Both versions allow sports betting online and in Indian casinos. But the Senate version also allows sports betting at the state’s two horse racing tracks.

“We believe it’s important as well to have the tracks involved in this as we go forward, to provide a solid product for the consumer across the board, and make it available in different venues and different locations for the consumer,” he said.

It’s unclear when the Senate might vote on the bill. Lawmakers face a midnight Sunday deadline for passing bills.

The bill received bipartisan support and bipartisan opposition in the committee.

Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, raised concerns about the expansion of gambling.

“Every time we expand gambling, we have a bigger problem with it,” Marty said.

Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, complained about a lack of public testimony on the late-in-session bill.

“The voice of the people of Minnesota can’t be at the testimony table,” Kiffmeyer said. “They’re shut out from all this.”

Politics and Government News

NewsPartners

Tim Pugmire

Author

Legislation allowing sports gambling in Minnesota cleared a key state Senate committee Thursday, but it differs in significant ways from a bill already passed by the House, and the clock on the 2022 session is running out.

State Senate panel advances sports betting bill

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox