The North Dakota Legislative body has turned down a sports wagering proposal, indicating that the state won’t be able to authorize sports betting during the current legislative term. The proposal was turned down by a significant majority of 38-7.
The proposal, which would have only permitted on-site betting in the state, was rejected by a vote of 38-7, and will not advance. The Government and Veterans Affairs Committee suggested that the proposal not be approved.
The proposal had a difficult path to the Senate, passing the House on a second attempt after being reconsidered.
On the second reading, the proposal passed 46-44, but failed to pass as it lacked a constitutional majority. However, after reconsideration, the proposal eventually passed 52-38.
If the proposal had become law, sports wagering would have been categorized as a game of chance. Operators would have faced different tax rates based on the total sports betting revenue: 1% for those with less than $1.5 million (£1.1 million/€1.3 million) in quarterly revenue, and 2.5% for those exceeding this threshold.
Indigenous American gaming establishments in North Dakota, along with their charitable partners, will be granted permits. These partners will be restricted to utilizing their permits for the purpose of fundraising for their respective causes. North Dakota currently lacks any commercial casinos.
The newly enacted legislation will also permit only one sports wagering license at a given time. This license can be jointly held by two or more closely affiliated entities.