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RELEASE: Statement from Rep. Patrick Garofalo on Sports Betting Agreement

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

St. Paul, MN—Minnesota’s self-proclaimed Godfather of sports betting, State Representative Patrick Garofalo, R-Farmington, issued the following statement today regarding news that an agreement has been struck between Minnesota’s Tribal Nations and local professional sports teams in support of legislation to legalize sports betting in Minnesota.

“Today’s news of an agreement is an important step in the process of bringing legalized sports betting to Minnesota,” said Garofalo. “While I am encouraged by today’s developments, it is important that the concerns of all stakeholders, including horse racing tracks, are addressed as we move forward on this historic legislation. Additionally, I remain very concerned that the current version of the bill would allow teenagers to bet on sports. Like other states, Minnesota should have a sports gambling age of 21. Legalized sports betting presents great opportunities for Minnesota, and we need to make sure we do this right.”

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