North Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday killed an effort to take ND sports betting statewide.
During a floor vote, North Dakota representatives voted against ND sports betting appearing on the 2026 ballot. The effort failed on its second reading with 24 yes votes and 70 no votes.
The House Judiciary Committee recommended not to pass the bill. Tribal casinos can offer in-person sportsbooks in North Dakota.
ND sports betting effort
Rep. Scott Louser introduced HCR 3002 to allow North Dakota voters to decide whether to allow statewide sports betting. The North Dakota legislature only meets in odd years, so voters now will have to wait until at least 2028.
If the referendum had passed, residents could have wagered on professional and college sports, but Louser’s legislation did not include a framework. Taxes would have benefited public education in the state.
Louser told fellow lawmakers revenue is escaping to other states. He estimated the legalization would generate up to $30 million annually for the state.
Opposition in North Dakota
While Louser wanted voters to decide sports betting’s legality, strong opposition showed up to the bill’s hearings. Rep. Lawrence Klemin was concerned sports betting would take from the state’s charitable gambling.
Two representatives from the North Dakota University System, including Director of Student Affairs Katie Fitzsimmons, testified against the legalization.
“While there may be perceived benefits to legalizing sports betting and using that revenue for education, the negative consequences — particularly for student-athletes and college students — are deeply concerning and cannot be ignored,” Fitzsimmons wrote in her testimony.
The North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action and North Dakota Catholic Conference also appeared in opposition during the House Judiciary hearing.
North Dakota sports betting history
There have been several attempts over the years to legalize statewide sports betting. Those attempts include a legalization bill in 2019 and ballot initiatives in 2021 and 2023.
While the proponents have been unsuccessful, several tribes have amended their compacts to allow for in-person sportsbooks.
In 2022, Gov. Doug Burgum declined tribal exclusivity for statewide sports betting, keeping the practice to tribal lands.