Minnesota is a fierce state. How can you not be with teams like the Wild, Timberwolves, and Vikings. The names alone can send chills down your spine. Minnesotans love their sports, but can have a hard time finding a legal way to add the excitement of sports betting within the state.
Keep on reading to learn more about the current views on sports betting by the lawmakers and your alternatives as a Minnesotan to start betting today.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Minnesota?
It is not currently legal to operate a sportsbook in the state of Minnesota. There is a new attempt to legalize sports betting being made during the 2023 legislative session, with a promising sports betting bill introduced by Rep. Zack Stephenson. Stephenson’s past attempts have failed, but with his Democratic party now controlling the state Senate there is optimism that 2023 is the year legalized sports betting comes to Minnesota.
That said, if you are a resident of Minnesota you can still currently place bets online. You just have to use an online betting site that operates outside of the United States and accepts American players. Our two recommended betting sites below are licensed and regulated outside of the USA and accept Minnesota residents.
Best Sports Betting Sites for Minnesota Residents
Here are my go to sportsbooks that accept residents for Minnesota and are trusted by Americans across the country.
- Built for American bettors
- Wide variety of competitive betting lines
- Easy to navigate betting platform
Offline Sports Betting in Minnesota
With no progress on regulation, there is still no legal way to bet on sports offline in Minnesota. Any bookie currently operating in Minnesota is doing so illegally.
The only option for residents is to use an offshore betting site such as the ones listed above.
Major Sports Teams in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to teams in all five of the major North American sports leagues. Check them out below.
All of the teams are located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area that is home to over half of the states population.
Minneapolis
- Minnesota Timberwolves (Basketball – NBA)
- Minnesota Twins (Baseball – MLB)
- Minnesota Vikings (Football – NFL)
Saint Paul
- Minnesota United FC (Soccer – MLS)
- Minnesota Wild (Hockey – NHL)
Horse Racing in Minnesota
It is legal to bet on horses at the track in Minnesota. Canterbury Park is the main horse racing track in Minnesota, located in Shakopee, about a half hour drive south of downtown Minneapolis.
Major Tracks
- Canterbury Park, Shakopee
Events:
– Mystic Lake Derby (TB) – 3-year-olds going 1 mi. on turf
– Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity (QH) – 2-year-olds going 350 yards
– Lady Canterbury (TB) – 3-year-olds & up fillies & mares going 1 mi. on turf
– Mystic Lake Mile (TB) – 3-year-olds & up going 1 mi. on turf