North Dakota Representative Jason Docktor (R-District 7) became the first in his state last week to file a sports betting bill. Docktor filed the first in a package of bills that he hopes will ultimately allow for the placement of sports betting kiosks in bars, restaurants and convenience stores.
Docktor’s HB 1254 is a general bill that would serve simply to legalize sports betting in North Dakota. The state has a bit of a unique set-up in that gaming is currently only legal through charitable organizations. Proceeds are used to support whatever “cause” the organization funds, which can range from care for the elderly to a youth hockey team.
Docktor, along with Representative Thomas Beadle (R-District 27), plan to champion sports betting in North Dakota during the 2019 session. The legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, and the pair are confident they’ll get sports betting, in some form, legalized during the 80-day session.
Of particular note in this first bill, sports betting will only be permitted “during the hours when alcoholic beverages may be dispensed, according to applicable regulations of the state, county, or city.” So unlike in a Las Vegas-style casino, when patrons could place sports bets any time of day, either at a teller window or a kiosk, sports betting will have limited hours in North Dakota. It’s likely this language will appear in any North Dakota sports betting bill.
Below, highlights of the North Dakota betting bill:
Mobile Betting? Not addressed
In-person registration required? Not addressed
Tax rate: Not addressed in this bill
Application/renewal fee: $150 for each city or county that approves the organization for sports betting
Legal to bet on college games?: Not addressed, but Docktor’s plan is to allow betting on college sports
Fee to pro leagues: Not addressed
Use of “official league data” mandated?: Not addressed
Regulatory body: Office of the Attorney General
Where the money goes: See above, charitable organizations
Cap on number of licenses available? No
