Opinion editor's note: editorial They represent the opinion of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently of the newsroom.
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There is something noble, but perhaps naive, about the view that Minnesota should not join the ranks of states that allow gambling. We wouldn't allow a state lottery until we could do that. We also didn't allow electronic pull tabs until we had that. They also didn't allow pari-mutuel voting on horses until it was possible. We didn't allow casinos until the tribes in our state took control.
At each stage, Minnesota reluctantly took off the veil. Now, he appears to be deciding whether to join the growing number of states that are allowing commercial betting on sports. Reluctantly or not, Minnesota leaders should acknowledge that it's time to join the club and approve sports betting during this legislative session.
In our opinion, being passive is a good thing. This suggests that Minnesotans are wisely aware of the risks associated with further expansion of gambling in the state. Much of the sports gambling infrastructure needs to be done correctly to minimize these risks. Revenues must be distributed equitably and regulations must follow best practice and be sensitive to those most vulnerable to the addictive temptations of gambling.
Can our country avoid a personal disaster like the one involving Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani? It's worth noting that sports betting is still illegal in California. While this may be an extreme example of the theft of millions of dollars to cover Suwon's gambling debts, this case is unique only in scale. Theft, fraud, embezzlement, lies to hide losses – these are all the kinds of consequences that gambling addiction routinely damages families and destroys careers. It is estimated that 1.3% of Minnesota adults are problem gamblers. An estimated 13% of Minnesotans who admit to gambling occasionally are considered at risk.
However, that risk still exists. Treatment options require their own efforts, but they also exist today. What currently does not exist is a meaningful opportunity to regulate the risks arising from sports betting. Minnesotans are not immune. At least you are not immune if you are willing to drive several hours in any direction or can download an app that allows you to place bets online using an offshore betting platform.
One amendment that could reduce the dangers of problem gambling is included in an amendment to the Senate bill currently being considered, which some say would make sports betting less fun. An amendment proposed by Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) would require gambling sites to stop accepting bets after a game begins. I don't know if that's a good idea, but it's an example of the state's ability to accommodate regional differences.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court paved the way in 2018, dozens of states have passed laws allowing some form of sports betting within their state borders. Minnesota is currently in a situation familiar from the days when marijuana was illegal. If enough states move to legalize a substance or activity, resistance forces cannot effectively protect their citizens from exposure to that substance. And even if they tried, they would only succeed in denying their own citizens the protections they can provide for activities conducted in public. Naturally, they will also give up any benefits that might be realized.
In the interest of transparency, we must acknowledge that the Star Tribune is in a position to recognize some of the benefits of sports gambling. News organizations across the country make money through reporting that appeals to gamblers and through partnerships with companies that promote gambling. The Star Tribune said it would do the same, taking care to ensure that its news, opinion and sports journalists are free from any involvement or conflicts of interest.
It is not the Star Tribune Editorial Board's job to advance the company's business goals. Nor should you oppose an initiative simply because your employer supports it. We believe that commercial sports betting has benefits as well as risks. We look to state government to manage the risks and ensure Minnesotans reap the benefits.
