North Dakota is one step closer to allowing legal sports betting throughout the state.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, state representatives cleaned up the language of a bill to legalize it, before sending it to the house to vote.

If the resolution passes in the house and senate, the measure would amend the state’s constitution requiring a public vote next November to authorize sports betting in North Dakota.

State Representative Greg Stemen from District 27, says the rising popularity in sports betting could bring in approximatley $3 million to $4 million a year in tax revenue.

“If they do want it, then let’s work with reputable United States companies that really prioritize consumer protection; as a state we can prioritize oversight and regulation,” he said.

Stemen says the other way people can bet on sports is illegally and unsafely on foreign websites. The goal of this measure, he says, is to change that. 

“We know it is happening already to a certain level. Let’s take advantage of it and put our people that are choosing to do it in the best position possible, and in turn, maybe the state benefits a little bit as well,” he said.