Legalized sports betting advances at Capitol amid concerns

Feb 23, 20240

Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune count

Susan Sheridan Tucker, executive director of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling, took a seat next to Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, who spoke about his sports gambling bill before a House panel on Thursday.

In the first 2024 legislative hearing on legalized mobile sports betting Thursday, House lawmakers relayed extensive concerns about the potential socio-economic fallout from a massive expansion of gambling.

Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, struck at the heart of the legalization bill when he asked, "Why is it so important to bring this to the mobile devices?" Baker pointed out that phones and gambling opportunities will be constantly available to everyone.

The bill's lead sponsor, Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, responded that Minnesotans can already easily gamble on their phones illegally. "What this bill is about is taking an illicit activity and trying to make it regulated, controlled and consumer-protected," he said.

https://www.startribune.com/legalized-sports-betting-advances-at-capitol-amid-concerns/600345424/