The Final Four is exciting enough without gambling
April 4, 2019
There’s no doubt about it: The Final Four is incredibly exciting. And it’s tempting to spice it up even more by betting on the outcome. But it’s important to remember that organized sports gambling is illegal in Minnesota.
Think of it as a triangle: If you’re risking something of value, it’s a chance-based outcome, and there are prizes to be awarded, it’s betting, and it’s illegal. Placing a wager is a misdemeanor; receiving wagers is a gross misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount. And establishments need to remember that whether they’re participating in the gambling or not, if it takes places on the premises, they can face criminal charges, regulatory sanctions, fines, or even have their licenses suspended or revoked.
With basketball fans in town, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) believes it’s particularly important for individuals and establishments alike to remember that organized sports betting is illegal. Unfortunately, it’s also fairly common: About $10 billion will be wagered on March Madness this year, most of it illegal.
But why does it matter whether the Final Four bet you make is legal or not? You might be thinking, “It’s not the crime of the century, nobody’s getting hurt, so why does AGED bother with it?” Remember that it’s not just about making sure people follow the law; it’s about consumer protection. If you place a wager, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get paid if you win. There’s no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. And there are no processes in place to identify and assist with problem gambling.
There is one new method of legal sports betting in Minnesota: sports-themed tip boards. The law allows licensed charitable organizations that conduct lawful gambling to sell tickets for sports-themed tip boards. No one other than the licensed charitable organization is allowed to sell the boards. You’ll be able to tell a board is legal because it will feature the Minnesota symbol. All other boards are illegal.
But perhaps the most compelling reason not to gamble on sports is the devastating effect it can have on your life, and that of your family. Gambling can be addictive, and some addicts lose nearly everything.
So get together with your friends, watch the games, and have a great time—and use that betting money for something else.
