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After the Trump assassination attempt, defining democracy gets even harder; Trump picks Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, a once-fierce critic turned loyal ally, as his GOP running mate; DC residents push back on natural gas infrastructure build-up a new law allows youth on Medi-Cal to consent to mental health treatment.

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Former President Trump is injured but safe after an attempted assassination many condemn political violence. Democrats' fears intensify over Biden's run. And North Carolina could require proof of citizenship to vote.

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Enticing remote workers to move is a new business strategy in rural America, Eastern Kentucky preservationists want to save the 20th century home of a trailblazing coal miner, and a rule change could help small meat and poultry growers and consumers.

MN Sports-Betting Bill Advances

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Friday, March 3, 2023   

Another Minnesota House committee has endorsed a bill that would allow sports betting within the state, but there are calls to add some provisions as the measure advances.

If approved, licenses would be provided to tribal nations around Minnesota to create sportsbooks at casinos, and Minnesotans age 21 and older could also place wagers through their phones, using online apps.

Bill sponsors have said revenue would go toward regulations and consumer protections, with another 40% used to address problem gambling. Susan Sheridan Tucker, executive director of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling, said that language is appreciated, but she asked lawmakers if information-sharing can be included, too.

"Operators and their licensees will be collecting quite a bit of data that can help answer many questions that researchers have concerning gambling behaviors," she said, "and can provide insights into whether more individuals are becoming addicted to gambling."

Tucker, whose organization is neutral on legalizing sports betting, stressed that no personal information, including a bettor's identity, would be shared. She said at least two other states have these provisions in their laws. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association has said it needs more information before commenting on that recommendation.

Key supporters of the plan have said that with more than 30 other states already allowing sports betting, it's time for Minnesota to take something already being done on the black market and put it under the state's purview.

David Prestwood, government affairs manager for the online betting firm DraftKings, echoed that sentiment in his testimony.

"An estimated 1.17 million people in the state are making a combined total of more than $2.5 billion in illegal wagers annually," he said. "Nearly all of these wagers are placed online in the robust illegal market, where sophisticated illegal operators capitalize on the popularity of this form of entertainment."

As for the sharing of aggregated data, the bill's sponsor expressed a willingness to have more discussions about it. More broadly, the current version excludes horse tracks, potentially complicating final passage in the Legislature.

Disclosure: Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling contributes to our fund for reporting on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Consumer Issues, Mental Health, Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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