Missouri is one of the few states that has not legalized sports betting, despite having a strong gambling industry and a large fan base for its professional sports teams. However, some lawmakers are hoping to change that in 2024, as they have reintroduced a sports betting measure that would allow voters to decide on the issue.
Sports betting measure is back before Missouri legislature
The sports betting measure, sponsored by Rep. Wes Rogers (D-Kansas City), is a constitutional amendment that would authorize the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate sports wagering in the state. The measure would also require a 10% tax on the adjusted gross receipts from sports betting, with the revenue going to public education and problem gambling prevention and treatment.
The measure is similar to the one that passed the House in 2023, but failed to advance in the Senate due to opposition from some senators who wanted to include video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the bill. VLTs are electronic gaming machines that resemble slot machines and are often found in gas stations and convenience stores. Supporters of VLTs argue that they would generate more revenue for the state and create jobs, while opponents contend that they would cannibalize the casino industry and increase gambling addiction.
Rogers said he is optimistic that the sports betting measure will have a better chance of passing this year, as he has been working with the Senate sponsors to address their concerns. He said he is open to compromise on the VLT issue, as long as it does not jeopardize the sports betting proposal.
“I think we have a good shot at getting it done this year,” Rogers said. “I think there is a lot of support for sports betting in Missouri, and I think it’s time we let the voters decide.”
Sports betting measure faces competition from ballot initiatives
The sports betting measure is not the only way that Missouri could legalize sports betting in 2024. There are also several ballot initiatives that are seeking to put the question to the voters in November.
One of the initiatives is backed by the Missouri Pro Sports Coalition, which consists of the six professional sports teams in the state: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, the St. Louis City SC, and the Sporting Kansas City. The coalition filed eight proposals to amend the state constitution to allow sports betting, with different tax rates and regulatory frameworks. The coalition said it supports sports betting as a way to enhance fan engagement and protect the integrity of the games.
Another initiative is supported by Winning for Missouri Education, a group that includes the casino operators in the state. The group filed one proposal to amend the state constitution to allow sports betting, with a 12% tax rate and a $50,000 annual fee for each sports betting operator. The group said it supports sports betting as a way to generate more revenue for public education and create a level playing field for the casino industry.
Both groups need to collect more than 170,000 signatures from registered voters in six of the eight congressional districts in the state by May 5, 2024, to qualify for the ballot. They also need to get approval from the secretary of state and the attorney general for their ballot language and petition forms.
Sports betting measure could benefit Missouri economy and sports fans
According to a study by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, a research firm that specializes in the gaming industry, legalizing sports betting in Missouri could generate up to $289 million in annual revenue and $36 million in tax revenue for the state. The study also estimated that sports betting could create up to 3,314 jobs and $123 million in wages.
In addition to the economic benefits, legalizing sports betting could also provide more entertainment and excitement for Missouri sports fans, who have a variety of teams to root for across different leagues and sports. Missouri is home to two NFL teams, two MLB teams, one NHL team, one MLS team, and one USL team, as well as several college and minor league teams.
Missouri sports fans are also surrounded by states that have legalized sports betting, such as Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee, and Arkansas. This means that they can easily cross the border and place bets on their favorite teams or events, or use online platforms that operate in those states. Legalizing sports betting in Missouri would allow them to bet within their own state, without having to travel or use offshore sites.
“I think sports betting is something that a lot of Missourians want to do, and they are already doing it in other states or illegally,” Rogers said. “We should give them a safe and legal option to do it in Missouri, and capture some of the revenue and benefits that come with it.”
