Minnesota: Nearly untying the sports betting political knot was a rare example of bipartisanship

Call it the Minnesota sports betting deal that wasn’t.

Backers of a sports betting bill in Minnesota say they were close Sunday night to passing a bill after nearly six years of trying, closer than they’ve ever been.

“We believe we have the support of the tribes, the tracks, the charities, bipartisan support in both chambers, if we had the opportunity to have it on the floor for a vote,” said Rep. Zack Stephenson, the Coon Rapids DFLer who has been pushing for a bill.

But the turmoil of the final weekend meant the agreement could not come to a final vote.

“I think if we had another 48 hours, I think we could do this,” said GOP Rep. Pat Garofalo of Farmington. “I sincerely mean that. We really could.”