Around the Horn - Sports Betting in Hawaii, Missouri, & Minnesota

With 2023 officially underway, the U.S. sports betting industry continues its march into the future. Each week, news comes out regarding the sports betting going-ons around the nation. Let's take a look at the latest sports betting news coming out of Hawaii, Missouri, and Minnesota.

New Sports Betting Legislation to be introduced in Hawaii

What's the old saying, "Never Say Never." It might be an old saying that will become applicable in the state of Hawaii at some time in the future.

From the very beginning of the sports betting revolution in America, it was assumed that as many as 48 states would eventually legalize retail and or mobile sports betting. The two states not included in the number are Hawaii and Utah, two states that have never shown a fondness for any kind of gambling for a variety of reasons. Maybe, there are some sports betting hopes in Hawaii.

House Rep. John Mizuno recently announced that he was prepared to present a new sports betting bill on the House floor on January 9, 2023. It will be the first such attempt since February of 2022 when HB 1815 went down to a rather decisive defeat.

It is Rep Mizuno's belief that Hawaii residents do want the option of betting on sports from the comfort of their homes. His evidence lies in some data that shows that Hawaiians are making more than 500,000 visits a year to Las Vegas, many for the direct purpose of betting on major sports events like the Super Bowl.

It's an uphill but no battle was ever won without an attack.

Is Missouri Moving Closer to Agreement on Sports Betting Legislation

Residents of Missouri want sports betting access in Missouri. Missouri's top professional sports franchises are supportive of bringing sports betting to the state. Even a number of high-profile legislators are busy putting forth sports betting legislation. With this much support, one has to wonder why the delay.

On one side of the sports betting question is the legislators who want to pass stand-alone sports betting legislation. Such legislation like HB 556 would allow Missouri residents to have access to both retail and mobile sports betting. The bill is being presented by Rep. Dan Houx.

On the other side of the issue is a group led by Sen. Denny Hoskins. The group has made clear that they would refuse to pass any sports betting legislation that isn't tied to the approval of regulating video lottery terminals (VLTs).

Unless legislators can get past the VLT issue, sports betting in the state might have to wait past 2023.

Minnesota Indian Gaming Association Touting Ability to Manage State's Sports Betting

In the state of Minnesota, all forms of gambling with the exception of the lottery are intended to be controlled by the state's Native Indian Tribes. The agreement was put in place when the last treaty (compact) agreement was signed.

While Minnesota does not currently have sports betting legislation on the table, MIGA Executive Director Andy Platto has made clear he wants the MIGA put in control of all sports betting access.

Like in Florida, the battle lines are being drawn for control of sports betting in Minnesota.