Minnesota Pre-Session Sports Betting Hearing Faces Power Balance Questions
The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by long-time gambling opponent Senator Marty, will hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the “social harms resulting from online sports betting.”
Senator Marty has previously obstructed sports betting legislation, though legislative leaders have often found ways to bypass his opposition during the committee process.
Despite reaching out before the holidays to offer testimony, committee staff declined our request, making it clear they are solely interested in highlighting the potential harms of legalization. This sentiment is reflected in the witness list on the Committee’s website, which appears skewed against legalization. Notably, many witnesses will be testifying virtually, and it is unclear how many Senators will even attend, as the legislative session does not formally begin until next week. It seems Senator Marty is using this hearing as an opportunity to grandstand.
Looking ahead, the Minnesota legislature is in an unusual position. Due to the death of a Senator and the disqualification of a House lawmaker, the balance of power in both chambers is uncertain until special elections later this month. Democrats are favored in both races, and we expect substantive discussions around sports betting to be delayed until much later in the session, which ends in May.