Minnesota Introduces SF 4139 to Legalize Online Betting

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Sat Mar 07, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Minnesota Introduces SF 4139 to Legalize Online Betting

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Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to legalize and regulate online sports wagering across the state.

Senate File 4139 (SF 4139) was recently introduced in the Minnesota Senate. The proposal represents the latest attempt to expand Minnesota gambling laws and bring regulated wagering to residents.

If approved, the measure would authorize statewide mobile sportsbooks and establish a regulatory framework for the industry. The move would also align Minnesota with neighboring states that already offer regulated betting markets.

Supporters argue the legislation would capture tax revenue currently flowing to offshore sportsbooks and unregulated platforms. Meanwhile, the bill could also provide consumer protections for bettors using legal platforms.

However, lawmakers acknowledge that sports betting remains a lower legislative priority this session. Other issues competing for attention could delay momentum for the proposal.

Still, supporters believe the bill provides a workable path forward for the state's long-running sports betting debate.

What Does SF 4139 Propose for Minnesota Gambling?

SF 4139 would authorize statewide mobile sports wagering and create a regulatory structure for the industry. Under the proposal, the Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety would oversee the market. The commissioner would handle licensing, enforcement, and compliance for sportsbooks operating in the state.

The legislation would also establish several rules for Minnesota gambling operators and bettors.

Key provisions include:

  • Authorization of statewide mobile sports betting
  • Minimum betting age of 21
  • A cap of 11 sportsbook licenses
  • A 22% tax on online sportsbook revenue
  • Restrictions on certain wagers, including college athlete prop bets

The measure also introduces consumer protection rules. For example, it would limit certain promotional tactics and push notifications used by sportsbooks.

Furthermore, the bill reflects growing concern among lawmakers about unregulated wagering options, including prediction markets. Supporters argue legal sportsbooks could provide a safer alternative for consumers.

Importantly, SF 4139 has bipartisan backing. Democratic Senator Nick Frentz and Republican Senator Jeremy Miller are among the sponsors supporting the proposal.

That bipartisan support could prove essential if lawmakers hope to advance the legislation through committees and into broader legislative negotiations.

Tribal-led sports betting market structure

A defining feature of SF 4139 is its tribal-centered market design.

Minnesota has 11 federally recognized Native American tribes. Under the proposal, each tribe could receive one mobile sports betting license.

Each licensed tribe would be permitted to partner with a sportsbook platform provider. These partnerships would allow tribal operators to work with established US online sportsbooks.

The legislation would also allow tribes to offer retail sports betting at their casino properties if new gaming compacts are negotiated with the state.

Revenue from sports betting would be taxed at 22% of net operator revenue.

The bill also outlines how that tax revenue would be distributed. Funds would support several groups and initiatives across the state.

The proposed allocation includes:

  • 50% to offset taxes tied to charitable gambling revenue
  • 15% to support Minnesota's horse racing industry
  • 15% for tribes without dominant sportsbook partnerships
  • 15% for major sporting event grants and sports access programs
  • 4% for problem gambling services
  • 1% for amateur sports integrity efforts

Supporters say this structure helps balance the interests of multiple gambling stakeholders in the state.

Previous efforts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota

Minnesota has debated legal sports betting for several years, but lawmakers have repeatedly failed to pass legislation.

The main obstacles typically involve disagreements between tribal casinos, horse racing tracks, and charitable gaming organizations. Each group has sought protections or revenue guarantees in potential sports betting frameworks.

These disputes have stalled multiple bills in previous legislative sessions.

As a result, Minnesota remains one of the few Midwestern states without regulated sports wagering. Residents currently have no legal access to licensed sportsbooks within the state.

SF 4139 attempts to address those conflicts by distributing tax revenue to multiple stakeholders.

However, the bill must still pass committee reviews and secure support in both legislative chambers. Lawmakers will also need to maintain consensus among tribes, racing interests, and charitable gaming groups.

If the proposal clears those hurdles, Minnesota could finally join the growing number of states offering regulated US online sportsbooks.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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