In the state of Minnesota, sports betting is currently legal for residents aged 18 and over. However, it is against the law for those under the age of 21 (with certain exceptions). If you’re 20-years-old or older and want to bet on sports in Minnesota, you’ll need to get in touch with the State Gaming Control Board in order to obtain a sports betting license.
In 2016, the Minnesota legislature voted in favor of legalizing sports betting for residents aged 18 and over. With the support of the state’s governor, it looked like Minnesota would become the 32nd state to legalize sports betting. However, once the new year started, the tides turned and Minnesota decided against legalizing sports betting.
Since then, there has been a great deal of pressure from the public and lawmakers in favor of legalizing sports betting in Minnesota. Now, with the upcoming MLB season approaching, it seems that Minnesota might actually end up following through with the legalization of sports betting.
Why Is Sports Betting Illegal For Minnesotans Under The Age Of 21?
In general, it is against the law for any business to make wagers or offer bets on athletic contests in all states, except for Nevada. However, there is an exemption for individuals 21 years of age or older. According to federal law, it is illegal for individuals under 21 to enter into a wager or to engage in the business of wagering unless they are properly registered with state and federal authorities. Thus, those under 21 years of age in the state of Minnesota are technically breaking the law if they want to bet on sports.
However, there are also a great number of exceptions to this law. In Minnesota, it is legal for an individual to make wagers or to offer bets on certain sports events or competitions if they are taking place in a casino or some other type of gambling establishment. Additionally, it is legal in Minnesota for individuals aged 21 or older to engage in the business of wagering and to make wagers on certain types of sports events if they are doing so within the confines of a legal, private casino. Finally, it is also legal for individuals under 21 to enter into a wager or to offer a bet on their own behalf, as long as they are not doing so within the confines of a legal, private casino.
Will All 32 States Legalize Sports Betting?
It is highly unlikely that all 32 states will legalize sports betting. However, with the upcoming MLB season, that seems more and more probable. As stated above, it is against the law for individuals under 21 years of age to engage in the business of wagering unless they are registered with state and federal authorities. Thus, many states simply don’t want to run the risk of minors entering into the gambling business and getting into trouble. It also doesn’t help that many of these underage individuals are actually able to trick state gaming boards into registering them as an adult. If that happens, it is almost certain that they will continue to pretend to be an adult and be allowed to gamble. That is why states that are considering or have already passed legislation to legalize sports betting are looking into ways to require registration for those under 21, especially with the upcoming draft age for college students in the United States increasing, states are starting to feel the pressure.
What Will The Future Of Sports Betting In Minnesota Be Like?
It is still early days in terms of the legalization of sports betting in Minnesota, but it’s clear that the tide is turning in favor of making wagers on sports more available to the state’s residents. Just this year, the Minnesota legislature passed a bill to regulate and tax casino-type games like poker and blackjack. It also made it legal for legal residents to bet on sports at casinos and racetracks (where applicable). Additionally, the state legislature passed a bill to allow for pari-mutuel wagering at fairs and stadiums. That bill is currently under review by the state’s governor.
It is also quite possible that sports betting in Minnesota will be fully legalized by the next legislative session. With the pressure from both lawmakers and the public, it is quite likely that the next session will address the issue of legalizing sports betting as well. As more and more states legalize sports betting, it is quite possible that the legality of sports betting in Minnesota will be up for debate.