Sports Betting in Minnesota: A Comprehensive 2026 Guide

As of early 2026, Minnesota remains one of the few states in the US where sports betting has not been legalized. Despite numerous legislative efforts and growing public interest, the path to legal sports wagering in the Land of 10,000 Lakes has been fraught with complexities and political hurdles. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current legal landscape, the history of attempts to legalize sports betting, and what the future may hold for Minnesotans eager to place bets on their favorite teams.

Current Legal Status and History

Sports betting is currently not legal in Minnesota. This means that there are no state-licensed online sportsbooks or retail betting locations available. Any platform claiming to offer legal sports betting to Minnesota residents is operating offshore and is not regulated by the state, posing significant risks to consumers.

The journey to legalize sports betting in Minnesota has been a long and winding one. Since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which opened the door for states to legalize sports wagering, Minnesota lawmakers have introduced several bills, none of which have successfully passed into law.

One of the primary obstacles to legalization has been the complex relationship between the state and its powerful tribal nations. Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized tribes that operate casinos and have exclusive gaming compacts with the state. The tribes have been hesitant to support any legislation that would threaten their exclusivity or give commercial entities a foothold in the state's gaming market.

In recent years, several key pieces of legislation have been debated in the Minnesota Legislature. In 2023, HF 2000 was introduced, which aimed to authorize sports betting and fantasy contests. This bill, along with its Senate companion, SF 757, saw significant debate but ultimately failed to gain the necessary support to pass. The bills proposed a framework that would have allowed for both online and retail sports betting, with the state's tribes playing a central role. However, disagreements over the number of licenses, tax rates, and the inclusion of horse racing tracks in the legislation led to a stalemate.

The 2025 legislative session saw renewed hope with the introduction of the "Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0" by Senator Miller. This bill aimed to address some of the concerns that had derailed previous efforts, but it too failed to make it out of committee. The ongoing debate highlights the deep divisions between the various stakeholders, including the tribes, professional sports teams, and charitable gaming organizations.

As of early 2026, the future of sports betting in Minnesota remains uncertain. While there is a clear appetite for legal sports wagering, the political will to find a compromise that satisfies all parties has so far been lacking.

Available Sportsbooks and Their Features

Since sports betting is not legal in Minnesota, there are no state-licensed sportsbooks available. Minnesotans looking to place legal sports bets must travel to a neighboring state where sports betting is legal.

Here's a look at the options in the states bordering Minnesota:

• Iowa: Iowa has a thriving legal sports betting market with both online and retail options. There are currently 14 online sportsbooks operating in the state, including major players like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. These platforms offer a wide range of betting markets, competitive odds, and generous promotions.
• South Dakota: Sports betting is legal in South Dakota, but it is restricted to retail locations in Deadwood. There are no statewide mobile betting options available.
• North Dakota: Similar to South Dakota, sports betting in North Dakota is legal only at tribal casinos. There are no online or mobile betting options available statewide.
• Wisconsin: Wisconsin has limited retail sports betting at a few tribal casinos. A bill to legalize online sports betting was passed by the Assembly in early 2026, but its future in the Senate is uncertain.

For Minnesotans, Iowa represents the most accessible and feature-rich option for legal sports betting. To bet in Iowa, you must be physically located within the state's borders. You can register for an account and deposit funds from anywhere, but you must be in Iowa to place a wager.

Types of Bets Available

When sports betting is eventually legalized in Minnesota, bettors can expect to see a wide variety of wager types available. Here are some of the most common types of bets that are offered in states with legal sports betting:

• Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team will win a game.
• Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory. The favorite is given a handicap, and the underdog is given a head start.
• Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined.
• Parlay: A single bet that links together two or more individual wagers. All of the wagers in the parlay must win for the bet to be successful.
• Teaser: A type of parlay where you can adjust the point spread or total in your favor in exchange for a lower payout.
• Futures: A bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
• Prop Bets: Bets on specific events within a game that do not necessarily affect the final outcome, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
• Live Betting: Bets that are placed after a game has already started. The odds and lines are updated in real-time as the action unfolds.

Tax Implications for Winnings

If sports betting is legalized in Minnesota, any winnings would be subject to both federal and state taxes. Gambling winnings are considered taxable income by the IRS. If you win more than $600, the sportsbook is required to issue you a Form W-2G.

At the federal level, you are required to report all gambling winnings, regardless of the amount. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is a flat 24%. At the state level, Minnesota has a progressive income tax system, so the tax rate on your winnings would depend on your total income.

It is important to keep detailed records of your wins and losses. You can deduct your gambling losses, but only up to the amount of your winnings.

Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options

The debate over mobile versus retail betting has been a key point of contention in the Minnesota legislature. Most of the proposed bills have included provisions for both online and in-person betting.

Mobile betting offers the convenience of being able to place bets from anywhere within the state using a smartphone or computer. This is the preferred method for the vast majority of bettors in states where it is legal.

Retail betting involves placing bets in person at a physical location, such as a casino or a dedicated sportsbook lounge. While less convenient than mobile betting, retail sportsbooks offer a more social and immersive experience.

The most likely scenario for Minnesota is a model that includes both mobile and retail options, with the state's tribes operating the retail sportsbooks at their casinos and also having the opportunity to partner with online operators.

Tips for Bettors in Minnesota

While you can't legally bet on sports in Minnesota right now, there are still some things you can do to prepare for when it becomes legal, or if you plan to travel to a legal state to bet:

• Do your research: Learn the basics of sports betting, including how to read odds and the different types of bets available.
• Set a budget: Decide how much money you are willing to risk and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Shop for the best lines: Different sportsbooks will offer slightly different odds on the same game. It pays to have accounts at multiple sportsbooks so you can shop for the best lines.
• Take advantage of promotions: Sportsbooks offer a variety of promotions to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back. These can include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and odds boosts.
• Bet with your head, not your heart: It can be tempting to bet on your favorite team, but it's important to be objective and make your decisions based on research and analysis.

Responsible Gaming Resources

It is crucial to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources available to help.

• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling: 1-800-333-4673
• Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

By staying informed and betting responsibly, Minnesotans can be well-prepared for the eventual arrival of legal sports betting in the state.