Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Minnesota?

The legalization of sports betting in Minnesota has been a tricky journey, with the state facing many hurdles and setbacks. The North Star State was close to legalizing sports betting in 2023, but ultimately, the effort fell short. Perhaps we’ll finally see the breakthrough to legalize sports betting in 2024.

Best Social Sportsbooks in Minnesota

Discover legally accessible sweepstakes-style sportsbooks in Minnesota. Read on and find WSN's carefully curated selection, and for more info on the subject of social sportsbooks, take a look at our comprehensive reviews of Fliff Social Sportsbook and Sportzino.

Minnesota Sports Betting Overview

What Is the Current Sports Betting Landscape in Minnesota?

Sports betting is not currently legal in Minnesota. Lawmakers have attempted to pass bills since 2019 but have yet to find a compromise that satisfies all parties, which is needed to pass legislation.

After the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, each state was given the authority to make its own laws regarding sports betting. Minnesota has made several attempts to push through legalization that have repeatedly failed. The Minnesota tribes have historically opposed sports betting, which is complicated as any gambling expansion needs their approval through Tribal-State Gaming Compacts of Minnesota. Authorization is also required from the state’s professional sports teams.

At the start of 2023, bills were proposed to give Minnesota's 11 tribes exclusive control over retail and online sports betting. However, the bill failed to pass as horse track representatives in Minnesota raised concerns regarding the impact that tribal-controlled sports betting could have on local horse racing. Any successful bill must be in the good books of the state’s two horse racing tracks to collect Republican votes.

Legislation introduced in years with odds numbers can be deliberated in the following year. So, in 2024, Minnesota lawmakers will have an opportunity to enact SF 1949, a bill that gained committee approval but was not presented to the floor for a full vote after the session concluded. 

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in Minnesota?

It is difficult to know for sure. If the state's legislators approve a bill in the 2024 legislative session, the earliest possible date for legalization in Minnesota is sometime in the latter half of 2024. With Democrats holding the majority in the Senate and tribes positioned to oversee operations of Minnesota sportsbooks, two major barriers have been overcome. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association’s support is another positive indicator.

Minnesota Sports Betting Updates

It’s been a tricky road for sports betting in Minnesota. Let's take a look at a timeline of key events:

• March 7, 2024 - Senator Jordan Rasmusson’s amendment to remove in-game betting from the ‘Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0’ might obstruct the legislation’s approval.

• Jan. 18, 2024 - Senator Jermery Miller unveils the ‘Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0’ and plans to introduce it in the upcoming legislative session.

• Jan. 16, 2024 - Rep. Pat Garofolo, a key advocate for sports betting in Minnesota, opts not to seek re-election in 2024, dealing a significant blow to legalization efforts in the state.

• Sept. 27, 2023 - Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson maintains optimism regarding the inclusion of racetracks in upcoming legislation.

• May 24, 2023 - Governor Tim Walz greenlights a bill discontinuing “open all” or “all-swipe” features in e-pull tab games, following tribal concerns that these features resemble slot machines too closely.

• May 22, 2023 - The legislative session concludes without votes on HF 2000 or SF 1949.

• May 17, 2023 - Minnesota racetrack pose a continuous issue in SF 1949, which excludes provisions for racetrack partnerships with online sportsbooks.

• May 12, 2023 - SF 1949 clears the Senate Taxes Committee with a 5-3 vote, advancing to the Finance Committee.

• May 10, 2023 - SF 1949 gains approval from the Senate Committee on State and Local Government and Veterans.

• May 3, 2023 - Amendments are made to Sf 1949, allowing tribal nations offering Class III gaming to collaborate with online sports betting providers, excluding racetracks from participation. 

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in Minnesota?

The future of legal sports betting in Minnesota is still uncertain, but we can make informed guesses about the online sportsbooks that would likely enter the state's market. 

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile App 

FanDuel is America’s favorite sportsbook, holding the top position in terms of total betting revenue. If you’re curious about how FanDuel attained this feat, we recommend signing up for this excellent sportsbook. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bettor, FanDuel’s sportsbook is suited to all. The platform is intuitively designed and sleek, providing a seamless website and app experience. In fact, FanDuel’s mobile app is the best in the industry, setting the standard for mobile betting. 

FanDuel ensures a smooth process from registration to placing bets, and this ease of use continues when making deposits and withdrawals. Bettors can enjoy their payouts within 24 hours using PayPal, Venmo, or PrePaid+. Customer service is another highlight, with a helpful and informative team that can be contacted through 24/7 live chat, email, and social media.

Take a look at our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about our top sportsbook.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

Pros

• Fast withdrawals

• Industry-leading app

• Market leader

Cons

• Loyalty program could be improved

• No phone number

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round Platform 

DraftKings is close at FanDuel’s heels in popularity and user satisfaction, offering a cutting-edge sportsbook experience. If you’re looking for a platform that goes beyond just a sportsbook, DraftKings should be your next betting destination.

DraftKings is ahead of the curve in design. I’m a huge fan of the dark and sleek interface, which elevates the betting experience to a premium level. The platform is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally organized. This is an achievement considering all of the different features available, such as a plethora of betting markets, live betting, DFS, social section, and (based on the state) online casino and poker room. 

The payment process is a breeze, with various payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, online banking, and cash at retail stores. Withdrawals are speedy, and the minimum deposit is just $5. Ongoing promotions are also great. You’ll find more daily odds boosts on DraftKings than any other platform.

Head over to our in-depth DraftKings review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

Pros

• Low minimum deposit

• Daily odds boosts

• Versatile platform

Cons

• Less competitive odds

• Automated live chat

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty Scheme

Caesars is primarily renowned for its world-class hotels and casinos but also has a high-quality online sportsbook. If you want a reliable and rewarding betting platform, Caesars Sportsbook is worth exploring. 

Caesars Sportsbook has my favorite loyalty scheme in the betting industry, offering unbeatable rewards by integrating the broader brand. Members earn credits for placing wagers and various activities like booking hotels, shopping, and dining. As you move through the program’s tiers, your accumulated credits can be exchanged for perks like discounts on hotels, room upgrades, exclusive events, and dining vouchers. You’ll be given a head start with 1,000 credits just for signing up for the sportsbook.

In addition, the sportsbook is sophisticated and modern, delivering a premium feel that is reflective of the brand. What’s more, Caesars’ odds are either on par with or even better than those offered by competitors.

Explore our Caesars Sportsbook review for an in-depth overview. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

Pros

• Renowned brand

• Favorable odds

• Complimentary loyalty points

Cons

• Not many ongoing promotions

• Limited live streaming

4. BetMGM

Best for: Promotions

BetMGM has a respected standing in the US as the sports betting arm of the hospitality titan MGM Resorts. If you’re looking for a sportsbook with a trusted reputation, BetMGM is a prime choice.

BetMGM excels in offering a diverse variety of betting options, from traditional sports to unique events, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also find an excellent live betting section where you can stream games in real-time and access detailed stats.

What I love most about BetMGM is the variety of promotions that are updated according to different seasons and events. There are parlay/odds boosts, chances to win prizes, refer-a-friend bonuses, and plenty more. Much like Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards leverages the entire brand to provide appealing perks.

Read our full BetMGM review for more details. 

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

Pros:

• Huge range of bets

• Excellent live betting

• Discounts at MGM resorts

Cons:

• No bonus bets for new players

• Betting history stats could be improved

5. ESPN Bet

Best for: Integration Between Sports Media and Betting

After partnering with Penn Entertainment, ESPN launched its sportsbook across 17 states in November 2023. If you’re on the hunt for a new and fresh sportsbook, then ESPN is the latest addition to the betting market.

As the rebranded version of Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN Bet has similarities that former Barstool users will recognize in both platforms. The key difference is that ESPN Bet capitalizes on ESPN’s vast knowledge within the sports industry, offering exclusive content and analysis. Bettors also benefit from membership in the Penn Play Rewards for special rewards and promotions.

The platform is a little bland visually, but what it lacks in flair, it makes up for in functionality and ease of use. You’ll find all the key features of a top sportsbook, including early cash-out, same-game parlays, and live betting. The live streaming capabilities are excellent, given ESPN’s extensive access to sports content.

Head over to our in-depth ESPN Bet review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.6/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $10, Get $150 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.4/5 (Android)

Pros:

• Benefits at Penn Resorts

• Exclusive content and analysis

• Live streaming

Cons:

• Desktop site is a little bland

• No access through mobile browser

6. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best for: Withdrawal Process

Launching in January 2023, Fanatics has quickly become a top choice among US bettors. If you’re looking for a sleek sports betting app, try Fanatics.

I’ve highlighted the withdrawal process at Fanatics because it has a unique feature that allows you to track withdrawals. I’ve not seen this feature on any other sportsbook, and it gives you peace of mind while you wait for your payout. I also had a great time exploring all the different sports, leagues, and betting markets; you’re spoilt for choice on this sportsbook. 

Fanatics is only available as an app, which is a little restrictive, especially if you’re a bettor who prefers betting on a desktop. Nowadays, however, mobile betting is becoming the standard, so this is likely less of an issue for the large majority of bettors. If you need any help, there are plenty of ways to get in touch with customer service, such as email, phone number, Twitter, and 24/7 live chat.

Take a look at our detailed Fanatics review to learn more.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5 for 10 Days, Get $1,000 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)

Pros:

• Lots of betting markets

• User customization features

• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• No desktop site

• Some issues with Android app

Nearby Betting States

Minnesota is bordered by North Dakota and South Dakota on the west, Iowa on the south, Wisconsin on the east, and Canada on the north. Online sports betting is not legal in North Dakota and is restricted to tribal casinos in South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The only neighboring state that has fully legalized online sports betting is Iowa. The state has 17 online sportsbooks, including all the big names. Since legalization in August 2019, the state has generated $8 billion in total revenue, consistently registering a monthly handle of over $200 million over the past several months. Heading over the border to register with an Iowa sportsbook is the best option for sports betting fans in Minnesota.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet on in Minnesota?

If sports betting is legalized in Minnesota, you’ll be able to explore betting opportunities and promotions for the top US sports:

NFL Betting

As the most followed league in the US, it is no surprise that the NFL is the favored betting choice on sportsbooks. The Super Bowl, in particular, breaks records for the sheer volume of bets it draws in. You’ll find all the standard wagers along with unique prop bets, like what the first TV advertisement will be or if any player will propose to their girlfriend. Once sports betting is legalized, this would be a prime time to bet on Minnesota’s only NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. Take a look at our NFL betting promo page for more information.

NBA Betting

The NBA attracts global attention as the top basketball league, bringing significant revenue for sportsbooks. Minnesota is home to one NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sportsbooks make the most of the NBA season and postseason by offering all kinds of promotions, from ticket giveaways to profit boosts. Check out our NBA promotions page for the types of basketball bonuses offered.

MLB Betting

MLB is particularly popular in Minnesota, where the Minnesota Twins are the most successful franchise. From April to October, baseball fans can enjoy a regular flow of games, drawing in lots of betting activity. Many promotions, like MLB parlay boosts or enhanced odds, can be explored. Read our MLB bonuses page for examples of baseball promotions. 

NHL Betting

Minnesota is a massive hockey state, with many fans following the NHL. It also hosts the Minnesota Wild. The NHL season runs from September to April, and there are a number of betting opportunities and promotions. Visit our NHL betting promotions page for examples.

UFC Betting

The UFC stands at the forefront of MMA, becoming one of the most rapidly growing sports in the US over the last number of years. As a result, UFC betting has grown into a lucrative market for sportsbooks. Explore our UFC guide to discover the latest updates, promotions, and in-depth instructions on how to bet on the sport. We also have a full UFC weight class guide, something you do need to understand before you start betting on MMA.

What Wager Types Will Be Available in Minnesota?

If sports betting becomes legal in Minnesota, you can explore all the most popular betting markets on sportsbooks. Here are the kinds of bets that you could find:

Moneyline Bets

A straightforward bet where you predict which team or individual will win a game. Sportsbooks provide odds for each side, showing their likelihood of winning. Positive odds indicate that the team is the underdog, while negative odds are given to the team favored to win. Take this example:

• DET Pistons (+850)

• MIN Timberwolves (-1450)

Thinking about moneyline odds is easier in terms of $100. The Wolves are huge favorites so you would have to make a $1450 bet to win $100, for a total payout of $1550. For the Pistons, you’d need to wager $100 to make a profit of $850. If they’re successful, your total payout would be $950.

Point Spreads

A point spread bet means you’re betting on the margin of victory rather than who wins or loses. The sportsbook sets a spread of points that the favorite team must exceed to win a bet against the spread. The underdog simply needs to not lose by that margin. This kind of betting levels the playing field, particularly when the two teams have a substantial skill gap. It can look like this:

• DET Pistons +14.5 (-110)

• MIN Timberwolves -14.5 (-110)

Here, for a bet on the Wolves to win, they’d need to win by 15 points or more. On the other hand, the Pistons would have to win the game or avoid losing by 15 points. Point spread bets usually have odds of around -110 for both sides.

Totals

Here, you focus on the total number of points scored in a game. Bettors predict if the score will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook; for that reason, it is also called an Over/Under bet. Here’s an illustration:

DET Pistons vs. MIN Timberwolves:

• Over 216.5 (-108)

• Under 216.5 (-112)

Prop Bets

Prop betting involves betting on specific events within a game that don’t necessarily affect the final result. This bet can cover various possibilities, like how players or teams perform, detailed statistics, or other in-game events. For example, you can bet on the number of strikeouts a pitcher will throw in a baseball game, yellow cards in a soccer match, or the total passing yards of a quarterback in a football game. 

Futures

Future bets are wagers placed on events that will happen at a later date, often long before the event itself takes place, like predicting the champions of major tournaments. If you’re a fan of the Minnesota Twins, you can make a future bet on the team to win the World Series before the season has even started. With that being said, future bets can be placed at any point during the season, but the odds are generally better if you bet earlier.

Parlays

Parlays combine separate wagers into one bet. For the parlay to pay out, each wager within it needs to win; the odds for each are multiplied together, offering the potential for higher rewards. However, it does have an increased risk. Teaser bets allow you to tweak the point spreads or totals in a parlay to your advantage, but they do have smaller payouts.

Live Betting

Live betting puts you in the thick of the action as you make wagers on a game in real-time as it unfolds. This is different from traditional betting, where bets are placed before the start of an event. As the action happens, the odds change to reflect the current state of the game. Examples include which team will score next or the final total points. Most sportsbooks will have a dedicated live betting section.

Betting Guides

Don't start off betting on the wrong foot. Check out our full guides on the above-mentioned wager types and navigate the world of betting like a pro.

• Moneyline betting guide

• Points spread betting guide

• Over/Under betting guide

• Prop betting guide

• Futures betting guide

• Parlay betting guide

• Live betting guide

Expected Betting Restrictions in Minnesota?

It’s too early to say the exact legalities of sports betting in Minnesota. But these are common restrictions in other states that may or may not happen in Minnesota:

• Betting on politics.

• Betting on entertainment events or awards ceremonies. 

• Betting on high school sports.

• Betting on eSports.

The legality of college sports betting varies by state. Some states allow it completely, while others have banned it altogether. Certain states allow betting on out-of-state teams but not on in-state teams or events. Some also exclude prop bets on college players.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Minnesota?

Daily Fantasy Sports is unregulated in MN, allowing residents to use DFS platforms like the following:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Mobile App

Since launching in 2012, DraftKings has become the leading DFS platform in the world. It is available in nearly every state, making it accessible to most players. Users can explore a huge range of contests across numerous sports with massive prize pools. You’ll also benefit from seamless transactions, regular promotions, and top customer service. A great feature is that users can create and customize their own exclusive competitions for themselves and their friends. However, DraftKings’ DFS app is the real standout, with an incredible rating of 4.9/5 on the App Store.

Claim your DK DFS welcome bonus.

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners and Free Play Games

FanDuel is DraftKings’ main rival in the DFS market, and it has many similar features. It is also widely accessible across the US. This DFS platform is particularly suited to beginners as it has special beginner-only competitions, contest-entry limits, and a collection of free-to-play games with real cash rewards. As such, you’ll find that more experienced players do not dominate the contests. If you’re starting out in DFS, it is a great place to begin your journey.

Grab FanDuel's deposit match promo.

3. Owners Box DFS

Best For: Simplified Option

Owners Box is changing the fantasy sports scene with the introduction of WFS (Weekly Fantasy Sports) rather than trying to compete with DraftKings and FanDuel's DFS offerings. The platform has unique game formats, with contests happening over a week or the duration of a round of games. For instance, the Lightning Lineups contest gives you a randomized lineup, and your task is to decide which trio will rack up the most points. SuperFlex is closer to the traditional DFS model, challenging you to make your team under a salary cap. 

Try out OwnersBox, you won't regret it.

4. Sleeper DFS

Best for: Social DFS 

Daily fantasy sports fans searching for a social element will find a perfect solution at Sleeper. Not only does the brand include Football, Basketball, and League of Legends picks, but you can also set up channels and interact with other sports fans. Create your own channel about your favorite sport and let anyone join, or keep it private. This social element makes the DFS picks more fun, as you can chat about the latest matchups or events. Use the app and explore the chat feature to talk trash with other players or send gifts for fun. Sleeper makes DFS picks accessible with plenty of extra features, including Mock Drafts, Sleeper Picks, and Daily Drafts.

Start wagering on DFS with Sleepers

Social Sportsbook in Minnesota

1. Fliff Social Sportsbook

Fliff is a social sportsbook, which is a fantastic substitute for regular online sports betting. Most importantly for our Minnesota based readers, Fliff falls under the sweepstakes law. So if you are wondering whether Fliff is legal in Minnesota, the answer is a resounding yes.

Unlike traditional sportsbooks, social sportsbooks create an interactive space for users, allowing them to participate in sports prediction games without using real money. Participants join contests using virtual currencies called Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash. New Fliff users are granted a welcome package of up to 600,000 Fliff Coins + $100 Fliff Cash on Purchase. 

Fliff Coins can be purchased but are solely for use on the platform. Fliff Cash can’t be purchased, only received as a free bonus, but can be redeemed for cash rewards. 

Take a look at our detailed Fliff review for information about the social model, promotions, and more.

Claim your Fliff welcome package.

2. Sportzino Social Sportsbook

Sports fans searching for sports betting in Minnesota will have to check out social sportsbook alternatives like Sportzino. Now, is Sportzino legal in Minnesota? Well yes. We only recommend legal and licensed operators.

Sportzino's sweepstakes-based format offers a streamlined experience, with pick options across the NFL, NBA, college sports, NHL, Premier League, and more. Explore US-based and international sports markets with access to live gaming options. The platform is offered via mobile and desktop for easy access. The sports platform is also connected to casino games, providing even more entertainment via slot titles. Explore promotions as a new member, including the welcome bonus and daily log-in deal featuring Gold and Sweeps Coins. The interface is streamlined to offer a seamless experience for every player. 

When you join Sportzino social sportsbook, you'll get Get 180,000 GC + 8 FREE Sweeps Coins to kick off your journey.

Grab your Sportzino welcome offer.

Sports Teams in Minnesota

Given that Minnesota has many professional teams, there’s real enthusiasm for legalizing sports betting in the state. The North Star State has teams in each of the major leagues:

• Minnesota Twins - The Twins moved from DC to Minnesota in 1961 and have become Minnesota’s most successful team. They won the World Series in 1987 and 1991, as well as in 1924, when they were known as the Washington Senators.

• Minnesota Vikings - Founded in 1960, The Vikings are the state’s only NFL team. Despite never winning the Super Bowl, the team has won multiple conference championships and made playoff appearances. 

• Minnesota Wild - This NHL team joined the league in 2000 and made a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals during the 2002-03 season. However, the team has yet to see any recent successes.

• Minnesota Timberwolves - Founded in 1989, the Wolves play at Target Center. They’ve never won an NBA championship, but they made eight consecutive playoff appearances from 1997 to 2004.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we’re not just reviewers but genuine fans who love sports betting. When we review a platform, we do so from the perspective of a regular, passionate bettor. What’s more, we know what we’re talking about, with many decades of experience in the betting industry shared around the team.

We take great pride in our commitment to being a trustworthy and genuine source of information. We spend time and effort exploring each platform, ensuring that our content is based on personal experience. This hands-on approach is the cornerstone of our review process and pretty much anything else we do.

Ultimately, we want to help you make informed decisions when navigating the world of sports betting.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Minnesota

Although sports betting has not been legalized in Minnesota, there are still resources within the state that can be used by those struggling with problem gambling. If the state pushes through legislation, we can also expect further state-approved and state-funded measures for responsible gambling.

•  The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling is a helpful resource for those seeking information. You can contact them by calling 800-333-4673, texting HOPE to 53342, emailing [email protected], or using the live chat.

• The National Council on Problem Gambling offers support across the US by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER and using the live chat.

• Gamblers Anonymous also has meetings in every state.

US sportsbooks routinely provide tools and settings that help their users gamble responsibly and manage their time on the sites. Minnesota sportsbooks would be expected to do the same. This can include:

• Deposit Limits that set a cap on the amount of money you can spend over a given time, like each week or each month. 

• Opting out of notifications, marketing and bonus opportunities which encourage bettors to spend more time on the site

• Cool-off periods lock your account for a temporary period of time. 

• Self exclusion permanently bans you from a site.