There’s something noble, but perhaps also naive, about the view that Minnesota should progress no further into the company of states that allow betting. We didn’t allow a state lottery, until we did, or electronic pulltabs, until we did, or pari-mutuel betting on horses, until we did. We didn’t allow casinos until our state’s tribes took the initiative.

At each step, Minnesota dropped its veils reluctantly. Now it appears torn about whether to join the growing majority of states that permit commercial gambling on sports. Reluctant or not, Minnesota’s leaders should acknowledge that it is time to join the club, and approve sports betting during this legislative session.