Two controversial bills passed the DFL-controlled Minnesota House in recent years, one legalizing recreational marijuana in 2021 and a measure legalizing sports betting in 2022. However, in both cases the Republican-controlled Senate stood in the way. Now with Democrats about to take control of the Senate and already in control of the House and governor’s office, both have a chance to become law in 2023.
“The fact that it has been occurring in other states gives it increased momentum in Minnesota,” Carleton College Political Analyst Steven Schier says of sports betting, which is now legal in 30 states. “I think sports betting becomes more possible…it’s also a revenue source for state government, something Democrats are always looking for.”
