BISMARCK — A resolution that would put sports betting on the ballot for the 2026 general election in North Dakota saw considerable opposition from legislators on the House Judiciary Committee.

House Concurrent Resolution 3002

is the most recent of several attempts to pass legislation aimed at legalizing sports betting in the state. The repeated attempts at legislation follow a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that opened the door for states to legalize sports betting for the first time since 1992.

A near-identical resolution to HCR 3002 was voted down in the North Dakota Senate after passing the House during the 2023 legislative session. Sports bets right now can only be made in person at tribal casinos.

This session’s resolution would put a measure on the ballot for 2026 to amend the North Dakota Constitution allowing the state to authorize and regulate betting on professional and college sports. The resolution dictates that all tax revenue from sports betting would be appropriated for the benefit of K-12 public schools.

Supporters of the bill say it would provide a sizable revenue stream for the state, citing the millions of dollars in tax revenue generated by states that have already legalized sports betting. They say, at its core, sports betting is no different than gambling on pull tabs and blackjack — practices which North Dakota has already legalized.

Rep. Scott Louser, R-Minot, said taxes on sports betting would bring in an estimated $25-$30 million in revenue for the state.

Those in opposition to legalized sports betting say it promotes unhealthy financial practices and would increase the rates of gambling addiction in the state — especially among young men.

In his written testimony, North Dakota Family Alliance lobbyist Jacob Thomsen said a study from UCLA found that, “in states where sports betting has been legalized, credit scores decreased, auto loan delinquency increased, debt collection amounts increased by 8%, and bankruptcy filings increased by 28%.”

North Dakota Student Association Vice President of Governmental Affairs Carter Gil said that a study out of the University of Buffalo found 1 in 10 college students were now “pathological gamblers,” significantly higher than the national average of roughly 2-5% of the population.

The House Judiciary Committee voted 13-1 in favor of a “do not pass” recommendation. The resolution is expected to go to the House floor Monday.