The short answer is no—prop betting on the Super Bowl is illegal in Minnesota, and the same prohibition will apply for the 2026 championship. While more than $9 billion in legal sports wagers were placed nationwide last year, Minnesota remains one of the few states that have not authorized any form of sports wagering, including “prop” (short‑for‑proposition) bets that focus on specific game events rather than the final outcome. The state’s statutes expressly ban the taking, receiving, or facilitating of bets on any sporting contest, and that blanket ban encompasses prop wagers as well. 【Minn. Stat. §§ 61.14‑1, 61.20‑2】
Minnesota Gambling Law Overview
Minnesota’s gambling framework is built around three permissible categories: the state lottery, charitable gaming, and pari‑mutuel wagering on horse races. Any other forms of betting—casino‑style, online, or sports‑related—are classified as illegal gambling under Chapter 61 of the Minnesota Statutes. The 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) gave states the authority to legalize sports betting, but Minnesota’s legislature has yet to act, leaving the original statutory ban intact.
What Counts as Prop Betting
A prop bet is a wager on a discrete element of a sporting event, such as “first player to score a touchdown” or “total number of yards gained by a quarterback.” Minnesota law does not differentiate between traditional point‑spread bets and prop bets; both are considered “bets on the outcome of a sporting event” and therefore fall within the statutory prohibition. The law’s language—“any gambling activity on a contest of skill, chance, or sport”— captures these wagers unequivocally.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations are prosecuted under Minnesota’s illegal gambling statutes. First‑offense misdemeanors can result in up to 90 days in county jail and fines of $1,500, while repeat offenses may be charged as felonies with up to a year of imprisonment and $5,000 in fines. Law enforcement agencies have recently increased digital surveillance of offshore betting sites, and individuals caught placing prop bets through online platforms can face the same penalties as those who wager in brick‑and‑mortar establishments.
Potential Changes on the Horizon
Legislative proposals to legalize sports betting have emerged each session since PASPA’s demise, often paired with a revenue‑sharing model that would allocate a portion of tax proceeds to the state budget and tribal programs. However, as of early 2026, no bill has cleared the Senate floor. Stakeholder groups—including tribal casinos, the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, and consumer advocacy organizations—continue to lobby for a regulated market, but concerns over problem gambling and the integrity of amateur sports remain significant obstacles.
Conclusion
For Super Bowl 2026, Minnesotans must refrain from prop betting unless the state enacts new legislation that expressly permits such activity. Until then, any participation—whether through a mobile app, offshore website, or informal arrangement—exposes the bettor to criminal prosecution under existing statutes.
Is there any legal way to place prop bets from Minnesota?
No. The current statutes forbid any betting on sporting events, and that includes prop wagers. Only the state lottery, charitable gaming, and pari‑mutuel horse racing are legal.
Can I use an offshore sportsbook to place prop bets?
Using an offshore site does not shield you from Minnesota law; the act of placing the bet is illegal regardless of the platform’s location, and authorities can still pursue enforcement.
What penalties could I face for a single prop bet?
A first‑time offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.
Will the upcoming 2026 Super Bowl change Minnesota’s stance?
There is no indication that the 2026 event will trigger legislative action. Bills have been introduced each year, but none have become law.
Are there any exceptions for charitable or tribal organizations?
Charitable gaming and tribal pari‑mutuel betting are permitted, but those exceptions do not extend to sports or prop betting. Any such activity by these entities would still violate state law.