Critics take aim at legalized sports betting in Minnesota

A bill to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is making its way through the Minnesota House and had its second hearing Tuesday.

The original sports betting bill in the House would have allowed legal sports wagering for anyone 18 or older, but the author of the bill said Tuesday he will amend it to the legal age of 21.

Also Tuesday, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association gave its tentative approval to the bill, but will continue to monitor any changes.

Critics of the bill said it would worsen problem gambling and favor tribes over other gaming interests.

Anne Krisnik of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition told a House committee Tuesday that Minnesotans need to be educated on the risks.

The bill would allow in-person sports wagering at casinos and authorizes tribes to issue licenses to mobile gaming operators.

Bill sponsor Rep. Zack Stephenson says the tax rate on sports betting revenue would be as low as possible to encourage bettors to abandon illicit gambling.

At least 30 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports gambling.

KSTP Chief Political Reporter Tom Hauser will have updates on this bill as well as other developments at the Minnesota Capitol Tuesday evening during 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS newscasts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.