The North Dakota Senate has recently voted against House Concurrent Resolution 3002, a proposal that sought to include sports betting on the ballot for the upcoming elections. This significant decision came after the bill’s passage in the state House but faced strong opposition in the Senate, resulting in a 30-16 vote against it. In this article, we will delve into the details of this resolution, its sponsors, and the current state of sports betting in North Dakota.
Background of House Concurrent Resolution 3002:
House Concurrent Resolution 3002 was introduced in the North Dakota state House on January 3. The resolution aimed to amend section 25 of article 11 of North Dakota’s Constitution, a crucial step towards legalizing sports betting in the state. After passing its second reading on January 12, the resolution was sent to the Senate with a narrow House approval vote of 49-44. It’s worth noting that the bill had bipartisan sponsorship, with 11 Republican representatives and one Democrat supporting it.
The Senate Vote:
The fate of House Concurrent Resolution 3002 was ultimately decided in the North Dakota Senate, where it faced stiff opposition. The resolution was rejected by a vote of 30 senators against and 16 in favor. This Senate decision effectively halted the progression of the bill, preventing sports betting from being added to the upcoming elections’ ballot.
The Current State of Sports Betting in North Dakota:
As it stands, sports betting in North Dakota is only permitted at casinos and on tribal lands. Previous attempts to legalize sports betting in the state were unsuccessful in both 2019 and 2021. The rejection of House Concurrent Resolution 3002 signifies a continued resistance to expanding sports betting beyond these existing boundaries.
The North Dakota Senate’s rejection of House Concurrent Resolution 3002 has significant implications for the state’s gambling landscape. Despite bipartisan support in the House, the Senate’s vote has halted the possibility of a sports betting ballot initiative in the upcoming elections. As North Dakota remains limited to casino and tribal land betting, the debate over legalizing sports betting in the state continues, with the latest resolution serving as a pivotal point in this ongoing discussion.