The Best Live Sports Betting Sites in Minnesota for 2026

Minnesota sports betting is currently 100% illegal. No legal sportsbooks operate in the state, and there are no retail sportsbooks.

Despite being a major market (5.7 million residents with strong professional sports fanbases, Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, Wild), Minnesota has blocked sports betting legalization repeatedly since 2019.

However, 2025-2026 represents the strongest momentum yet: Two new bills were introduced in 2025, SB 757 by Sen. Matt Klein and SC1900-1 (Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0) by Sen. Jeremy Miller. For the first time, Democratic control of the Senate and tribal gaming operators' openness to sports betting have aligned.

The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association has shifted its position from opposition to openness, signaling that tribal consensus may finally be achievable. If a 2025-2026 bill passes, Minnesota sportsbooks could launch by mid-to-late 2026.

Is Live Betting Legal in Minnesota?

No. 100% illegal. Minnesota has not legalized retail or online sports betting as of December 2025.

Minnesota's regulatory framework is completely void of sports betting infrastructure. The state statute (Minnesota Statutes § 609.75 and § 609.76) explicitly prohibits sports betting. Here's everything you need to know:

• Legal Status: Sports betting is completely illegal, no sportsbooks (retail or online) operate in Minnesota
• Population: 5.7 million (major market with strong pro sports fanbases)
• Current Bills: SB 757 (Sen. Klein), SC1900-1 (Sen. Miller)
• Expected Launch: Mid-to-late 2026 (if 2025 bill passes)
• Number of Licensed Sportsbooks: 0 (zero)
• Proposed Number of Licenses: 11 (one per tribe) for retail and online betting
• Online Sports Betting Status: Illegal
• Retail Sports Betting Status: Illegal (proposed in failed bills)
• College Betting: Would be allowed under proposed frameworks
• Expected Regulatory Body: Minnesota Department of Revenue (with tribal partnerships)
• Expected Tax Rate: 20-22% on net operator revenue
• Proposed Tax Revenue: $80 million annually

Shurzy Tip: Use DraftKings Fantasy or DraftKings Pick6 for legal alternatives.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Why Minnesota Still Prohibits Sports Betting

For years, Minnesota sports betting legalization has been blocked by a three-way conflict:

1. Tribal Casinos Opposition (SHIFTING): Minnesota's 11 tribal nations that operate 19 retail casinos historically opposed sports betting, fearing online betting would cannibalize retail casino traffic. However, tribal positions are shifting—Sen. Miller and Klein's bills explicitly give tribes exclusive online licensing rights, removing tribal opposition.

2. Republican-Controlled Senate (RESOLVED): Republicans historically opposed gambling expansion as a matter of principle. However, Democrats now control the Senate (post-2024 elections), removing this barrier.

3. Interest Group Conflicts: Historical horse racing interests, charitable gaming operators, and anti-gambling groups competed for influence.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

The New 2025 Bills: Breaking Through

SB 757 (Sen. Matt Klein)

Key Provisions: 11 licenses (One per tribal nation for online wagering), 11 DFS licenses (One per tribe for Daily Fantasy Sports partnerships), tax Rate: 22% on net operator revenue, tax Distribution: 10% to sports event attraction, 10% to Commissioner of Human Services, 5% to youth sports programs.

Status (December 2025): Introduced; awaiting Senate vote

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

SC1900-1 / Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0 (Sen. Jeremy Miller)

Key Provisions: 11 licenses (Maximum of 11 tribal licenses for retail and mobile betting), tax Rate: 20% on net operator revenue, tax Distribution: 25% to sports event attraction, 2.5% to youth sports, remainder to tax relief on charitable gambling, horse racing, mental health/problem gambling support.

Status (December 2025): Introduced; awaiting Senate vote

Read more: NBA Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Minnesota for Basketball

Why 2025-2026 Is Different

Democratic Senate Control (NEW)

After the 2024 elections, Democrats now control the Minnesota Senate for the first time in recent years. This removes the Republican-led opposition that blocked previous bills.

Tribal Gaming Association Support (NEW)

• Minnesota Indian Gaming Association's Shift: For the first time, the tribal gaming operators show openness to sports betting IF tribes receive exclusive or majority licensing rights.
• Previous Tribal Position: Opposed sports betting due to online cannibalization fears
• New Tribal Position: Support sports betting if all 11 tribes get one license each for online betting, ensuring tribal economic participation

This alignment removes what has been the PRIMARY obstacle to legalization for years.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Minnesota for Football

Attorney General Crackdown (November 2025)

Important Development: In November 2025, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sent cease-and-desist letters to 14 offshore and sweepstakes gambling operators demanding they stop operating in Minnesota.

AG Ellison's Statement: "Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not...I will not stand for it."

The AG is preparing the legal landscape for legalization by clearing out illegal operators, aggressive enforcement signals readiness for regulated legal market, suggests state leadership is moving toward legalization in 2026.

Current Legal Betting Alternatives in Minnesota

DFS exists in legal gray area in Minnesota: Minnesota law does NOT explicitly prohibit DFS, major platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks) have operated for years without enforcement, however, the law is ambiguous and could be interpreted to prohibit it.

• Top DFS Platforms: DraftKings Fantasy (Salary-cap contests, mega-contests), FanDuel Fantasy (Head-to-head contests, tournament play), PrizePicks (Daily sports prediction contests), Underdog Fantasy (Best ball drafts, pick'em contests).

Pick'em Prediction Contests (LEGAL-ISH)

• DraftKings Pick6 - Legal in Minnesota: Not technically "sports betting" (classified as pick'em prediction), player-vs-player format (not against house), minimum wager: $5, bonus: Play $5, get $50 in Pick6 Credits.
• Underdog Fantasy Picks - Legal in Minnesota: Daily pick'em contests, bonus: Play $5, get $50.
• Betr Picks - Legal in Minnesota: Prediction market format, bonus: $10 on sign-up + $200 bonus cash.
• Why These Are Legal: Pick'em contests are NOT classified as sports betting under Minnesota law—they're skill-based prediction games.

What's Coming in 2026?

• 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session (Jan-May 2026): SB 757 and/or SC1900-1 advanced to full Senate floor, Democratic Senate likely to pass bill (with tribal support confirmed), House vote uncertain but improved chances, Governor Walz expected to sign (has shown support for legalization).
• If Bill Passes 2026: Department of Revenue develops regulatory framework, licenses issued to 11 tribes (one license per tribe), operators begin applications, sportsbooks launch mid-to-late 2026.
• Expected Minimum Age: Likely 21 (most states use 21, though Minnesota tribal casinos allow 18)
• Expected Launch: Mid-to-late 2026 at earliest

How to Legally Bet on Sports in Minnesota Right Now (2025)

Option 1: Daily Fantasy Sports (WITH CAUTION)

Visit DraftKings.com, FanDuel.com, or PrizePicks.com, sign up with a Minnesota address, create daily fantasy lineups (skill-based contests), enter contests and compete for cash, cash out winnings.

• Legal Note: DFS is in gray area; major platforms operate but lack state authorization.
• Advantage: Major platforms with consumer protections; low enforcement risk
• Disadvantage: Not officially legal; Attorney General has signaled potential enforcement

Option 2: Pick'em Prediction Contests (SAFER)

Visit DraftKings.com for Pick6, play $5, get $50 in Pick6 Credits, select player prop predictions, compete player-vs-player, win cash prizes.

• Legal Advantage: Classified as skill-based prediction (not sports betting); legal gray area is clearer.
• Best For: DraftKings Pick6, Underdog Fantasy, Betr Picks

Option 3: Horse Racing Betting (FULLY LEGAL)

Visit Canterbury Park (on-track wagering), use legal online advance deposit wagering (horse racing only), bet on professional horse races.

• Advantage: Fully legal; no gray area
• Disadvantage: Limited to horse racing only

Option 4: Wait for 2026 Legalization

Monitor 2026 Legislative Session (Jan-May 2026): Watch for SB 757 or SC1900-1 advancement, track Senate vote (Democrat-controlled; likely to pass), monitor House vote (uncertain but improving), Governor signs into law, tribal licenses issued, sportsbooks launch mid-to-late 2026.

Final Word

Minnesota is one of America's largest markets (5.7 million residents) WITHOUT legal sports betting, despite strong professional and college sports fanbases. Years of tribal opposition and Republican-controlled Senate have blocked legalization.

However, 2025-2026 represents the first real opportunity due to: Democratic Senate control (eliminates Republican opposition), tribal gaming association openness (removes primary obstacle), Attorney General crackdown on offshore operators (signals readiness).

Your bookie wants Minnesota. 5.7 million residents with strong sports fanbases and zero legal options = massive untapped revenue. 2026 is finally the year.

Shurzy is your smarter betting buddy, not your boss. We're here to help you bet smarter, not harder. F*ck spreadsheets.