Minnesota mobile sports betting bill proposes ban on push notifications

A new bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate would legalize mobile sports betting and daily fantasy contests for adults 21 and older, while prohibiting push notifications from betting apps—a unique measure among U.S. states.

Senate Bill 3414, sponsored by Sen. Nick Frentz, ties mobile wagering exclusively to federally recognized tribes offering Class III gaming. The legislation permits the Minnesota Gambling Control Board to issue up to 11 operator licenses, each valid for 20 years, and available only to qualifying tribal entities.

Entities awarded a license would pay an annual fee of just $2,125. In contrast, platform providers face steeper costs, with a $250,000 license fee valid for two years and $83,000 for renewal. Supplier licenses under the bill carry a $75,000 fee, with an additional $16,500 application cost and $33,000 for renewal.

The bill would impose a 22% tax on net sports betting revenue, though wagers placed on tribal lands would be exempt. Revenue from the tax would be allocated across multiple state initiatives, including 40% directed to the state gaming commission for tax relief payments, 15% to the Sports Betting Equalization Account, and 10% each to sports marketing, human services, and amateur sports. The Racing Economic Development Account would receive the lesser of $3 million or 15%.

SB 3414 includes a number of advertising restrictions, barring promotions labeled as “risk-free,” prohibiting content targeting individuals under 21, and mandating all advertisements include the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. It also requires licensed operators to provide a 24-hour problem gambling helpline operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

One of the bill’s more distinctive features is a ban on push notifications from sports betting apps, intended to curb compulsive user behavior. The bill prevents operators from using these notifications on phones to entice users back onto their apps.

The proposal comes as lawmakers weigh competing measures. Sen. Matt Klein’s SB 757 mirrors much of SB 3414’s structure, including the 22% tax rate and exclusive tribal partnerships, but differs in how tax revenues are distributed. Notably, Klein’s bill allocates 45% to the gaming commission and includes funding for youth sports and major sporting event recruitment.

Sen. Jeremy Miller has also proposed a separate initiative, dubbed the Sports Betting Act 3.0, which would similarly authorize 11 licenses but impose a lower tax rate of 20%.