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Minnesota Preparing Legislation to Legalize Sports Gambling

Stewart Serena

Updated on March 3, 2026 at 11:26 AM EST • Read time: 1 minute and 19 seconds. Links to Twitter and Google News for more information.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 15: D’Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on before the start of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center on February 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. David Berding/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by David Berding / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

State lawmakers in Minnesota are considering legalizing sports gambling within their borders in response to surrounding states already allowing it.

It is anticipated that there will be bipartisan support.

On Wednesday, Feb. 16, Senate Republicans will unveil their sports betting proposal, and Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) is hopeful that legislation will be finalized in the coming weeks, allowing Minnesotans to participate in legal sports betting this year.

He expressed confidence that Minnesota will have the ability to place safe and legal bets by the start of the 2026 NFL season, and worst case scenario, by the time the Vikings face the Packers.

Stephenson is not the sole supporter.

State Representative Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, who has been advocating for betting legalization for years, stated that the opportune moment to act on this issue has now elapsed.

Jeremy Miller, the Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate, also supports the passing of a bill this year.

Miller stated that he has been a consistent advocate for legalizing sports betting in Minnesota. He mentioned that Senator Roger Chamberlain is leading the bill in the Senate and emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to develop a proposal that will garner sufficient support to pass the legislature and be approved by the governor.

Stephenson is currently in discussions with the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) to talk about details, and any major changes, like the legalization of sports betting, would require the approval of the MIGA.

In its latest statement, MIGA stated that tribal governments have been studying the implementation of sports betting nationwide and its effects on tribal communities. As experts in gaming, tribes are prepared to offer their knowledge to lawmakers in Minnesota who are deliberating the future of sports betting.

As momentum grows and a record number of Americans participate in legal sports gambling, it seems that Minnesota may soon legalize sports betting.

Be sure to stay updated on our Live Odds page all week for the latest lines and engage with fellow members in the SBR community on our well-loved sports betting forum.

Written By:
Stewart Serena
A lifelong Cowboys, Cubs, Maple Leafs and Gators supporter, Neil has been covering sports in print and online since 2011. His past stops include USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook and RotoWire among others. He’s a graduate of St. Thomas University and Acadia University and spends ample time at KenWo Golf Club.