Minnesota

The Gopher State has yet to legalize MN betting as lawmakers are still amending the sports gambling bill. As this happens, bettors can expect a wide range of sportsbook apps when the state finally passes the bill.

Despite Minnesota's not-so-ideal sports betting situation and having one of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, the punters still get at least some wagering services. In a nutshell, MN residents can legally bet on horse races and greyhounds both online and in person on the state's two licensed race tracks.

Furthermore, MN residents can access many Daily Fantasy Sports mobile apps, as DFS is entirely legal in the state even though it still lacks state-wide regulation. The sports betting bills proposed in the legislative process would legalize and regulate DFS apps, but for now, residents can still access PrizePicks, Underdog, Sleeper, and more.

The Battle Over Online Sports Betting in The Gopher State

Minnesota stands out as one of the remaining states without laws that support sports gambling. Lawmakers are currently pushing for the legalization of online sports betting in MN.

However, the current bill faces strong opposition from the native Indian tribes, as these tribal groups operate about 19 casinos across the state. Until the legislators convince the tribes that online sports wagering is helpful, Minnesota will have zero state-regulated online sportsbooks.

An excellent example came in 2019 when the Senate approved a bill to legalize retail sports betting at casinos and race tracks and allow online sportsbook apps in Minnesota. However, the bill did not advance further, primarily due to the resistance of the MIGA.

For several Indian tribes, sports wagering, especially mobile betting, is a matter of caution in Minnesota. Since the tribes invested heavily in constructing physical casinos, most of their people depended on the revenue generated from them. So, while multiple pushes have been made to legalize online and mobile sports betting in the state, they have failed to pass.

Most recently, in 2022, HF 778 continued into 2022 and received approval in a full House vote. However, the discussions stalled in the Senate due to disagreements about tribal exclusivity.

Apart from greyhound races, DFS, and horse racing betting, there are no other opportunities for domestic online sports wagering. Nonetheless, bettors can travel to surrounding states to place wagers. For example, a state like Iowa has legal mobile sports betting options that Minnesota residents can use. However, all IA mobile sports betting apps are geo-restricted, so each MN bettor must physically travel to Iowa to enjoy such services.

Sports betting & gambling legislation in MN

The good news for Minnesota residents is that tribal casinos are not against sports betting, as the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) changed its stance and is no longer against the legalization of sports betting, stating that they have been studying the implementation of sports betting in different regions and its effects on tribal communities.

Even with their change of stance back in 2021, Minnesota's sports betting legalization proposals face time constraints due to the pending approval of a two-year state budget. Although many lawmakers support sports wagering legalization, it's unlikely to progress in 2023, potentially delaying the legislative process.

Therefore, in addition to horse race wagering, greyhound betting, and DFS, the other legal forms of gambling are mainly limited to the 23 tribal casinos in MN, which offer slots, table games, and all kinds of casino-based card games.

Minnesota’s Indigenous tribes and their influence on sports betting expansion

Minnesota’s Indigenous tribes have played a crucial role in shaping the state’s gambling laws, and their influence continues as sports betting legislation remains a relevant issue in legislative sessions in the state. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988, tribal nations secured exclusive rights to operate casinos on their sovereign lands, giving them primary control of Minnesota’s gambling industry.

For years, tribes have been wary about expanding sports betting, fearing that commercial operators could tamper with their ever-important gaming revenue. However, as neighboring states legalize mobile wagering, some Minnesota tribes have shown a willingness to negotiate, provided they remain in control of the industry. Recent legislative proposals have focused on granting tribes exclusive rights to run retail and online sportsbooks, which is a usual provision that is included in most sports betting bills in states where similar situations have occurred.

The future of sports betting in Minnesota essentially comes down to these negotiations. If an agreement is reached, tribes may develop their own betting platforms or partner with established sportsbook brands such as DraftKings & FanDuel. Either way, any expansion will likely put the tribes' interests first, ensuring that gambling revenue continues to support essential tribal programs and economic development.

Why ice racing might be Minnesota’s most underrated betting frontier

Minnesota’s below-freezing winters have given rise to a unique motorsport—ice car racing, where drivers speed across frozen lakes at incredible speeds. While these electric races are already a show-spectacle, could they also become a new betting market if online betting is ever legalized?

With the state losing revenue from sports betting growing in surrounding states, introducing a unique market once the matter is legalized could help bolster the market out of the gate. Bettors could place odds on race winners, lap times, or even unexpected events like spins and crashes on the slick ice. However, regulatory hurdles might make legalization tricky, as integrity and safety issues could be a problem.

Most recent updates from the MN sports betting & gambling scene

• April 14, 2025: By securing the #6 seed in the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves will play the LA Lakers in the first round. Minnesota is (+155) to win the series.

• March 3, 2025: The St. Thomas Tommies are favored to win the Summit League Tournament at (+225).

• February 18, 2025: While the question of who will be under center is yet to be determined, the Minnesota Vikings are (+1800) to win the NFC following the completion of the 2024-25 season.

• February 4, 2025: With spring training around the corner, the Minnesota Twins are currently favored to win the AL Central at (+220).

• February 3, 2025: A new Minnesota bill, SF 757, aims to legalize sports betting through tribal operators while directing tax revenue to public programs. However, lawmakers and experts debate its potential social risks.

• January 24, 2025: Headed towards the end of January, the Minnesota Timberwolves are sitting as the 8th seed in the Western Conference and at (-250) to make the playoffs.

• January 6, 2025: After losing to the Lions in week 18, the Minnesota Vikings will head to LA for the first round of the playoffs where they are (-1.5) point favorites over the Rams.

• December 30, 2024: The Minnesota Vikings will head to Detroit in week 18 where they are (+2.5) point underdogs. The winner of the game will be the #1 seed in the NFC, while the loser will be the #5 seed.

• December 17, 2024: With a win on Monday Night Football, the Vikings are now (+210) to win the NFC North division.

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Currently, there are over 20 tribal casinos in Minnesota, including two thoroughbred race tracks, so-called 'racinos,' that offer the same card, table, and slot games with the addition of horse race and greyhound betting options. However, these two race tracks are the only locations that offer at least some kind of in-person betting for MN residents, as the tribal casinos focus solely on other types of gambling options.

All forms of gambling include an 18+ age limit in Minnesota. So, to gamble at casino resorts or race tracks in Minnesota, individuals must provide proof of their age.

Duck Duck Gray Duck Showdowns: A Nostalgic Twist on Novelty Betting

In Minnesota, it’s not “Duck Duck Goose”—it’s Duck Duck Gray Duck, and that distinction is a point of fierce pride. But what if this uniquely Minnesotan childhood classic could be reimagined as a quirky, crowd-pleasing betting spectacle?

The concept of betting on these events could stem from Duck Duck Gray Duck Regional Showdowns, which take place at state fairs, town festivals, or community centers. These tournaments may include speed rounds, lap-based scoring, or elimination-style brackets where participants compete to be the “Last Goose Standing.” With judges, this game has the potential to evolve from a childhood game into a hyper-local novelty betting market.

By incorporating geofenced mobile apps or event-specific kiosks, fairgoers could place fun wagers on who wins each heat, which round will see the first fall, or even how long a single match lasts. If just 0.05% of Minnesota’s estimated annual sports betting handle (which exceeded $2 billion in nearby states) were to come from Duck Duck Gray Duck events, the result could be thousands in new wagers and a surge in community engagement.

In a state that embraces its traditions with humor and warmth, Duck Duck Gray Duck betting may be the most Minnesotan way to blend nostalgia, competition, and economic opportunity.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together and gambling

The Minnesota State Fair, known as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together," is a spectacle of unique contests, local culinary specialties, and agricultural battles. With competitions ranging from butter sculpting and seed art to livestock and vegetable displays, it raises the question: Could these events inspire betting markets?

This idea would allow fairgoers to wager on which dairy princess will win the coveted butter bust contest or place odds on the heaviest gourd of the season. Livestock judging, particularly among cattle and pigs, could become a fan-favorite betting niche, with experienced farmers and spectators wagering on winners based on lineage and show performance. Even food competitions, like the Biggest Corn Dog Consumption Challenge, could open the door to novelty bets, much like the Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest.

Sports betting in neighboring states

Minnesota is located in a hotbed for sports wagering since all its four neighboring states have legalized in-person betting. However, from these neighbors, only Iowa also allows online sports betting within its state lines, so it is the only nearby state where individuals from MN can visit to enjoy mobile sports betting.

South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin all provide retail betting sites for sports fans, but none have legalized online or mobile wagering. In addition, each of the four neighboring states, like Minnesota, allows Daily Fantasy Sports and horse race betting.

What’s next for MN betting apps?

Currently, lawmakers in the state are still discussing several amendments to the sports gambling bill. Bettors hope that the modifications will accommodate the needs of native Indian tribes and ensure a smooth online sports betting experience.

If the gambling bill passes and online sports betting is legalized in MN, top sportsbook operators such as DraftKings, Fanduel, Caesars, and BetMGM will likely join the party. Other possible betting apps that could become available for MN bettors in the future are fresh names like ESPN Bet and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Potential sports betting revenue impact on Minnesota's economy

As Minnesota hasn't yet legalized sports betting in their state, there is no gambling-related revenue data to be presented. However, according to House Rep. Zack Stephenson, MN could earn around $12 million in tax revenue annually just by legalizing online sports betting. If online gambling were legalized as well, the figure would, of course, be even higher.

Of Minnesota's neighboring states, only Iowa has legalized sports betting within their state's lines, and it has raked up over $13 million in tax income from such activities in the 2024 calendar year.

Regarding population, Colorado is the closest state to Minnesota with legalized sports betting. This fact alone should encourage both the tribes and the Minnesota government to get a deal over the finish line since Colorado has seen over $21 billion worth of placed wagers (betting handle), more than $1.5 billion in sportsbooks' revenue, and way over $93 million in gained taxes.

Lutefisk prop bets: A new & profitable flavor for Minnesota’s gambling scene

If Minnesota ever makes the decision to legalize novelty and cultural event-based betting, along with sports betting, lutefisk eating contests could become an unexpected but profitable addition to the state’s betting market. With structured competitions already held at festivals and events, the foundation is in place for novelty wagering on outcomes like “fastest plate cleared” and more. 

Using figures that have been done by studies on the impact of sports betting in the state, even 0.05% of a projected $3 billion annual sports betting handle came from seasonal events like lutefisk contests Minnesota could generate $1.5 million in novelty wagers each winter. These quirky micro-markets not only drive seasonal betting engagement but also attract cultural tourism and community involvement. I mean, if the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest can attract fans and wagers, why can’t Minnesota have their own version of that?