Senator John Marty introduced Senate File 978, the only proposed sports betting bill with necessary safeguards to protect Minnesota from the serious problems caused by online sports betting.
“Minnesotans already can bet on sports – with family, friends, co-workers – anyone. The issue under consideration at the capitol is whether we will allow a predatory sportsbook market to take advantage of Minnesotans,” said Sen. Marty.
Corporate sports bookmaking is an industry that profits from encouraging people to gamble more. Senator Marty pointed out, “As other states have legalized sportsbooks, they have seen sharp increases in gambling addiction, particularly among teenagers and young men. This is a public health crisis in the making. If Minnesota is going to legalize this predatory industry, we must do so with safeguards that will minimize the harm.”
“My legislation is the only proposal that contains real safeguards that will prevent the worst impacts caused by predatory sports bookmakers. Although other proposals claim to have safeguards, those are token efforts that will not prevent the significant growth of problem gambling and its effects on individuals, families, and our state’s resources,” said Sen. Marty. “If the legislature decides to bring in this exploitive industry, we should only do so with at least the protections that my legislation offers, safeguards that will protect the state budget from additional costs for mental health and addiction services.”
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