Minnesota Sports Betting Bill On Hold in Ways and Means Committee

Minnesota sports betting legalization remains on hold in the Ways and Means Committee.

The bill has passed through the Commerce, Finance, Public Policy and State Government Finance Committees, in addition to the Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law and Tax Committees.

“We should be clear from the outset that sports betting is already happening here in Minnesota,” bill sponsor Rep. Zack Stephenson has said during each of the committee hearings. “We have a very robust black market, estimates in excess of $2 billion …

“What this bill is about is creating a legal marketplace that will displace the black market and in doing so will provide consumer protecting, ensure the integrity of the game and limit money laundering and other illegal activates.”

The bill allows two master licensing agreements, with one going to the northern Ojibway tribes and the other for southern Dakota tribes.

The state would receive a 10% tax on profits from online betting, while 60% of that would go to assist problem gambling resources.

Mobile betting would be permitted for Minnesota residents 21 and older.

Minnesota Twins Agree to Deal With Jackpocket

The Minnesota Twins and Jackpocket have reached agreed to terms on a new partnership, making JackPocket the official mobile lottery partner of the Twins.

To commemorate the new deal, Jackpocket is giving fans the chance to win giveaway VIP tickets, field tours and other unique experiences for Twins fans and Jackpocket users. Fans can use the code “TWINS” when checking out to receive a free lottery ticket.

"With Opening Day recently behind us, we look forward to bringing Twins fans a new way to play the lottery with this partnership," Jackpocket CEO Peter Sullivan said in a media release. "This is Jackpocket's first-ever partner in MLB, and I'm looking forward to this season filled with new opportunities and growth."

Jackpocket will also be the sponsor of the Twins “Hits” series. Each time a Twins player gets a hit, fans will have the chance to win a free lottery ticket on the app. The team will also be giving away free lottery tickets during high jackpot moments and provide chances to win tickets and other prizes in partnership with Jackpocket.

"We are thrilled to deliver our fans exciting new ways to engage with baseball, Target Field and the lottery," Twins Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer Meka Morris said in a media release. "Jackpocket is a perfect partner for the Twins as we continue to evolve our digital and game day experiences to meet our fans where they are."

The deal with the Twins is Jackpocket’s fifth major league sports partnership. Jackpocket also has deals in the NFL, NBA, NHL and college athletics.