Legal Sports Betting Age in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
Minnesota has a long history of regulating gambling activities, and with the national trend toward legalizing sports betting, many Minnesotans are eager to understand the legal landscape within the state. One of the most frequently asked questions is about the legal age required to participate in sports betting. Here’s a detailed overview of what you need to know about the legal sports betting age in Minnesota.
Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in Minnesota
As of now, sports betting is not yet fully legalized in Minnesota. Although there have been several legislative efforts to introduce legal sports wagering—both online and at brick-and-mortar venues—the state has not yet passed a comprehensive sports betting bill. However, tribal casinos continue to operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and are the primary hubs for most legal gambling activities in the state.
Legal Gambling Age in Minnesota
In Minnesota, the legal gambling age depends on the type of gambling activity:
- State-regulated casinos and lottery: The minimum age is 18 years old.
- Tribal casinos: Some tribal casinos allow entry at 18, while others restrict entry to those 21 and older, depending on whether alcohol is served.
- Horse racing and pari-mutuel betting: Legal at 18 years of age.
- Charitable gambling (bingo, raffles, pull-tabs): Legal for individuals 18 and older.
Given these guidelines, it’s generally accepted that the minimum age for any future legalized sports betting—whether in-person or online—will likely follow the standard gambling age of 18 years old, although platforms that serve alcohol may impose a 21+ restriction.
Expected Age Requirement for Sports Betting
If Minnesota legalizes sports betting in the near future, lawmakers will need to establish an official minimum age. Based on current legislation trends and existing gambling laws, two scenarios are most likely:
- Online Sports Betting Platforms: Expected to require users to be 21 years or older, aligning with alcohol-serving regulations and standards in other U.S. states.
- Retail Sportsbooks at Tribal Casinos: Likely to follow the casino’s own age policies, which can be either 18 or 21, depending on the tribe’s internal rules and whether alcohol is served on the premises.
Comparison with Other States
In states like Iowa and Montana, sports betting is legal for individuals 18 and older, while in others like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, the minimum age is 21. Minnesota’s eventual regulation will likely be influenced by these precedents.
Enforcement and Verification
Regardless of the age requirement chosen, any regulated sportsbook—online or offline—will be mandated to enforce strict identity verification protocols. This includes:
- Government-issued ID checks
- Social Security Number verification
- Address and age verification technology for online bettors
Violating age restrictions would likely carry significant penalties for both the individual and the operator, including fines and license suspensions.
Conclusion
While Minnesota has yet to officially legalize sports betting, the expected legal age for participation is most likely to be either 18 or 21, depending on how future legislation is written and enforced. For now, residents must wait for state lawmakers to pass a formal bill. In the meantime, understanding the current gambling age laws in Minnesota provides a useful framework for anticipating future regulations.
