North Dakota Lawmakers Reject Sports Betting Resolution for 2026

Any hope that North Dakota would soon legalize sports betting was extinguished this week.

The state’s House of Representatives has rejected a resolution to put sports betting on the ballot in 2026. The vote wasn’t close, finishing with 70 for and 24 against. While many issues were brought up, concerns over the impact on college athletics remain the biggest roadblock to legalization.

The House Judiciary Committee spoke out against the resolution before the vote, foreshadowing its overwhelming defeat.

Risk Not Worth the Reward

The threat of problem gambling was an accepted risk for states that have legalized sports betting. While most have invested in programs and resources to help combat the issue, they have failed to slow the growing problem. 

North Dakota lawmakers have watched similar markets struggle with the problem, leading to strong opposition to legalization. While the state would enjoy a boost in tax revenue, it wouldn’t be enough to justify the potential damage done to residents. 

Let the People Decide

The decision to reject the resolution shows that the North Dakota House believes the public may support the industry. Proponents of the industry have pointed to that when arguing in favor of the resolution. They don’t deny the risks but believe the residents should make this decision instead of 94 lawmakers.

The overwhelming rejection shows why proponents are trying to work around the state legislature. It is a similar tactic to the one used in Missouri, where voters legalized sports betting during the November election. Unfortunately, the Show-Me State had several pro sports teams that funded the effort, which North Dakota doesn’t have.

Calls for College Betting Regulation Continue

The resolution came at a bad time for the sports betting industry. NCAA President Charlie Baker has called for heavy regulations for college betting, pleading with both states and Congress to take action. Baker’s concerns are driven by a sharp increase in threats against college athletes, which was a significant concern among members of the North Dakota House.

 If there was any hope of a resolution passing, it likely ended when an investigation into Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball was announced. While no scandal has been found yet, the team had two of its games flagged for suspicious betting within a few weeks of each other. An investigation is forthcoming, and the early evidence seems damning.

North Dakota doesn’t have a pro sports franchise, meaning lawmakers will fight hard to protect the integrity of college athletics.