What's New Specific What's New information, by month

For Exempt/Excluded activity information, click here

The federal law on illegal gambling and gaming was passed in 1955, but the rise in online and sports gambling has implicated several other statutes of the U.S. Code and federal law. Illegal gambling could be prosecuted under several different criminal statutes, each with a different degree of punishment and potential outcome. States still maintain the most control over determining which activities constitute illegal gambling. Most states do not address fantasy sports in statute. In fact, only two states do. Maryland enacted legislation in 2012 to explicitly exempt fantasy sports competitions from the state’s gaming laws. There are three major federal laws in the USA that currently address or formerly addressed sports betting to one degree or another. Those laws are the Federal Wire Act of 1961, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. Two of those laws remain in effect to this day, but the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection.

March 3, 2021

January/February/March 2021 Gaming News Is Now Available

A new issue of the Gambling Control Board's 'Gaming News' newsletter is now available under the Publications tab. Included are legislative updates, trends in lawful gambling receipts, an article on donating to individuals and families in need, and an overview of how gambling taxes are used to fund US Bank Stadium.

February 12, 2021

Executive Order 21-07 Expands Lawful Gambling Operations at Permitted Premises

Gambling Federal Law Vs State Law

Effective Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Executive Order 21-07 allows for expansion of lawful gambling operations to further reopen Minnesota's economy safely.

Lawful Gambling is permitted until bar and restaurant closing time of 11:00 pm.

Is Gambling Illegal Federally

Federal Gambling Laws

Total capacity at bars and restaurant is raised to 250 but maximum percentage capacity remains at 50 percent.

Total capacity at indoor entertainment facilities is raised to 250 but maximum percentage capacity remains at 25 percent.

Federal Online Gambling Laws

Interstate Gambling Law

Keep in mind that on-site food and beverage consumption is prohibited after 11:00 pm and all social distancing requirements must be enforced.