Online Sports Betting News From Minnesota and North Carolina

The rampage of legalized sports betting in America continues as 17 states have yet to resolve the issue. Given that it's very unlike that sports betting will ever see the light of day in Utah and maybe Hawaii, there are still a number of states that are zeroing in on a final decision. Let's take a look at what is happening on the sports betting front in Minnesota and North Carolina.

Sports Betting Get Approval From Minnesota House - Senate Obstacles Remain

Minnesota sports betting legislation had to make its way through eight House committees. It finally emerged this week and HFF 778 found tentative support from the House, passing by a slim margin of 70-57. Unfortunately, the bill will now move on to the Senate where it might not hit the docket.

To date, the Minnesota State Senate has shown very little interest in addressing the sports betting question on behalf of Minnesota representatives. With only one week remaining in the current session, it seems very unlikely that HFF 778 will get any attention as state Senators head out the door for recess.

What getting this bill passed does is open the door for the presentation of good legislation to the Senate in next year's first session. Bill HFF 778 successfully addressed concerns the state's Indian Tribes had over previous attempts to get sports betting legislation done. In the battle for exclusive rights to Minnesota sports betting, here are some of the details the new bill offers in an attempt to gain Tribal support:

• 11 Tribes would get licensing for retail sports betting and one mobile platform
  
• Tribes would only pay a sublicensing fee of $2,125 while their operators would pay an application fee of $6,000 and a first-time license fee of $38,250 with an annual renewal rate of $8,500
  
• eSports and college sports wagering, including in-state teams, would be permitted
  
• Tax rate of 10% would be levied on online/mobile sports bets only
  
• 50% of the tax revenue goes to problem gambling initiatives with the other 50% going to Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission
  

Mobile Sports Betting In North Carolina on Shaky Ground

Since North Carolina does not have approved retail casinos, retail sports betting is only available through two Tribal casinos: Harrah's Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Indian Valley. While retail sports wagering has been going on since mid-2021, North Carolina sports bettors have made clear they would like mobile access as well.

To that end, the North Carolina House has been trying desperately to get SB 688 to the governor's desk before the current legislative sess8ion ends. That session will begin on May 18, 2022, and end on June 30, 2022. The bill already passed the Senate 26-129 last year will Governor Roy Cooper (D) indicating he would sign the bill if it gets to his desk.

In the bill, top U.S. Online/mobile sports betting operators would be allowed to apply for 1 of 10 to 12 available sports betting licenses.