Senator Nick Frentz has formally introduced Senate Bill 3414, a proposal that would legalize and regulate mobile sports betting in Minnesota, while preserving exclusive operational rights for the state’s 11 federally recognized tribes.
SB 3414 outlines a tribal-first model, granting exclusive authority to Native American tribes to operate mobile sportsbooks. Under the bill, the tribes may launch their own platforms or partner with third-party sportsbook operators via management agreements, maintaining full licensing and oversight authority.
This approach mirrors recent trends in states like Connecticut and Michigan, where tribal sovereignty is prioritized in the expansion of digital gaming. The legislation also includes provisions to formally regulate Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), filling a legal vacuum that has persisted in Minnesota for years.
“This bill is a step forward in modernizing Minnesota’s gaming environment while respecting tribal compacts and economic interests,” said Sen. Frentz during the announcement. “It reflects a balanced and respectful collaboration with tribal nations.”
The bill proposes that a portion of the tax revenue generated from licensed sportsbooks be directed toward addiction treatment, mental health programs, and youth development initiatives, aligning with public health and social responsibility goals.
By tying legal sports betting exclusively to tribal operations, Minnesota would avoid the commercial licensing model adopted by states like New York or Illinois, opting instead for a cooperative framework that strengthens tribal economies and affirms their central role in state-regulated gaming.
