In Minnesota, the debate over sports betting legislation is intensifying, with key issues surrounding the role of racetracks and tribal gaming rights at the forefront. Concerns have been raised about how Minnesota racetracks will benefit from an expanded betting market, with tribes expressing opposition to any legislation that might infringe upon their gaming rights. The situation is further complicated by the introduction of a sports betting bill by Minnesota Sen. John Marty, which emphasizes problem gambling protections. Additionally, the legality of historical horse racing (HHR) and its potential impact on the sports betting landscape has become a contentious point. The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee chair, Zack Stephenson, has declared HHR a non-starter, indicating it will not proceed. This development comes as racetracks explore alternative revenue sources, including the controversial installation of electronic terminals for historical horse racing, which must legally be based on skill and knowledge rather than luck.
Are new electronic terminals that Minnesota horse racing tracks are trying to install games of chance or games of skill? This isn't a Tastes-Great/Less-Filling argument. To be legal, historical horse racing has to be based on skill and knowledge, not luck. https://t.co/rpiV25lQGy
If the sports betting bill won't help horse racing tracks, they're looking for other ways to increase revenue for purses. But is "historical horse racing" legal? https://t.co/rpiV25lQGy
Minnesota Sen. John Marty intros his own sports betting bill that is heavy on problem gambling protections. https://t.co/mZZ9jY1Ykj https://t.co/rb7qSX9TgE
Historical horse racing could doom Minnesota sports betting, writes @MatthewKredell. House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee chair @zackstephenson says HHR is "a total non-starter. Will not happen." https://t.co/Wwxd5GjVEh
Minnesota pols are trying negotiate a sports betting bill when the racing commission suddenly legalizes HHR? Oh boy. This will not go over well with the tribes. https://t.co/PRSSttlr8f
Track and tribes key sticking points in #Minnesotasportsbetting debate š Concerns over Minnesota racetracks' cut of an expanded markets š° Tribes unlikely to back legislation that infringes their gaming rights ā² And time running short in the session https://t.co/Cm8ig1199t