Online Sports Betting in Minnesota 2024
Curious about sports betting in the Gopher State? Here’s the current situation: online sports betting is not yet legal in Minnesota. Despite efforts, including in May 2024, sports betting legislation in Minnesota remains unresolved, with a potential launch unlikely before 2025.
Meanwhile, read our guide to find the latest updates on Minnesota’s sports betting laws, legal betting alternatives, and tips on preparing for future changes, including how to manage taxes on your winnings. Let’s dive in!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Find out why online sports betting is currently illegal in Minnesota.
- Discover the best sweepstakes sportsbooks in Minnesota.
- Learn about the latest MN gambling legislation news.
Best Social Sportsbooks in Minnesota
Since real-money online sportsbooks are not permitted in Minnesota, our team at TrustnBet has identified a trustworthy alternative: sweepstakes sportsbooks. Using virtual coins, these platforms allow you to enjoy sports betting legally. They also offer contests where you can compete for cash prizes.
Here are the top four social sportsbooks available to Minnesota residents:
Overview of Minnesota Online Gambling
Minnesota has a mix of legal gambling options, but sports betting—both online and retail—remains prohibited. The state does allow certain forms of gaming, including tribal casinos, horse racing, and the state lottery.
Below is a detailed table outlining the legal status of various gambling types in Minnesota:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Status | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sportsbooks | No | Prohibited; no legal or regulated online sports betting allowed. | — |
| Retail Sportsbooks | No | Not allowed; legislation has failed to legalize in-person betting. | — |
| Tribal Casinos | Yes | Operated by Native American tribes, offering slots and table games. | 18 or 21 |
| Online Casinos | No | Illegal; no online casino gaming permitted. | — |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Pari-mutuel betting allowed at licensed racetracks and via simulcast. | 18 |
| Lottery | Yes | State-run lottery offering scratch-offs and multi-state games. | 18 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | No | Not explicitly legalized; major platforms do not operate in Minnesota. | — |
Popular Sports and Teams in the Minnesota Betting Scene
Minnesota’s rich sports culture attracts fans from neighboring states and significantly contributes to its $22 billion tourism industry. While Minnesota doesn’t yet have a sports betting market, it boasts a thriving sports scene with several major teams and sports you can make picks on, such as:
Let’s take a closer look at the top teams across various sports in the state.
Baseball
The Minnesota Twins, a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, have called Minnesota home since the 1960s. With three World Series titles, their last win was in 1991. Although inconsistent, the Twins remain a beloved team with hopes of another championship on the horizon.
Football
The Minnesota Vikings, established in the early 1960s, are a staple of the NFL. While they haven’t won a Super Bowl yet, they’ve reached the championship game four times, with their peak performances occurring in the 1970s.
Hockey
Known as “The State of Hockey,” Minnesota is home to the Minnesota Wild, who joined the NHL in 2000. The Wild claimed their first division championship in the 2007-08 season and continue to captivate fans, even as they pursue their first Stanley Cup.
Basketball
The Minnesota Timberwolves, based at the Target Center, have been the heart of the state’s basketball scene since 1989. Known for star players like Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves are a competitive force in the Northwest Conference.
Soccer
Soccer in Minnesota thrives with Minnesota United FC (MNUFC), who joined Major League Soccer in 2017. The team has a devoted fan base, celebrated for their tradition of singing Wonderwall after victories.
Reporting Betting Winnings in Minnesota
Even though sports betting is illegal in Minnesota, winnings from activities like the lottery or horse racing are taxable income. Here’s what you need to know:
- Report All Winnings: Gambling income, including out-of-state winnings, must be reported to the IRS.
- Minnesota Residents: Residents must include winnings on Form M1 as part of their income.
- Track Your Bets: Keep records of winnings and losses. Losses can offset taxable income if itemized.
We recommend you get the help of an expert. A tax advisor can guide you through Minnesota’s tax requirements and ensure proper reporting. Meanwhile, visit our guide to sports betting taxes for more details.
So, What’s Next for Online Sportsbooks in Minnesota?
As of late 2024, online sports betting remains prohibited in Minnesota, despite numerous legislative efforts:
On October 17, 2024, at the Global Gaming Expo, Andy Platto, Executive Director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, announced that stakeholders agreed on a framework for sports betting legislation but raised concerns about securing enough votes for its approval.
The 2025 legislative session could shape Minnesota’s sports betting future, with bipartisan talks raising hopes for a proposal that might legalize online sportsbooks. Until then, the state’s sports betting future remains uncertain, with residents eagerly awaiting further updates.
Don’t wait for future updates, and start now by visiting our page on US state gambling legislation for all the latest news.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Minnesota residents can legally make sports picks via social sports betting sites and participate in the state lottery and horse racing betting.
The legal gambling age in Minnesota is 18 for the lottery and horse racing, while it may vary between 18 and 21 for tribal casinos.
Engaging in illegal gambling in Minnesota can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, probation, or even imprisonment.
