Online sports betting resolution rejected by North Dakota lawmakers

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday rejected another attempt at legalizing online sports betting.

Rep. Scott Louser, R-Minot, said he hoped to stave off a citizen-initiated measure on legalizing online sports betting with a resolution that would have put the issue up to a statewide vote.

But that resolution failed 63-24 Wednesday in the North Dakota House of Representatives, with several lawmakers voicing concerns about the detrimental effects of gambling.

Rep. Scott Louser, R-Minot. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly)

Louser said House Concurrent Resolution 3002 differed from a sports betting bill that failed in the 2023 session by designating that revenue from sports betting be earmarked for the K-12 public school system.

The bill didn’t legalize sports betting, but would have put it to a statewide vote in November 2026.

Louser said passing the bill would have given the Legislature control over how the measure would be worded.

Rep. Matt Ruby, R-Minot, said there is interest in his area on bringing a  citizen-initiated measure.

Opponents cited studies showing that online sports betting is especially detrimental to college-age men, with both the North Dakota University System and North Dakota Student Association testifying against the bill

Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, said he feared that online betting would take money away from North Dakota charitable gambling.

There are 30 states where online sports betting is legal. Sports betting is legal at tribal run casinos in North Dakota, but not through online betting.

(Story written by Jeff Beach – North Dakota Monitor)