Missouri Sports Betting Bill: Legislative Efforts and Current Status
Missouri has been at the center of a prolonged and complex legislative debate surrounding the legalization of sports betting. Despite numerous efforts by lawmakers, the state has yet to officially legalize and implement a regulated sports wagering market. The journey of Missouri’s sports betting bill is a case study in political maneuvering, competing interests, and the challenges of balancing economic opportunity with regulatory caution.
Background and Push for Legalization
Since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states across the nation have moved quickly to legalize sports betting. In Missouri, the conversation began shortly after that ruling, with several proposals introduced to bring sports wagering to the state’s casinos and online platforms.
Missouri has 13 riverboat casinos, which would be the natural hosts for in-person sportsbooks under any legalization bill. Additionally, the rise of mobile betting in neighboring states like Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa has intensified pressure on Missouri lawmakers to act in order to capture potential tax revenue and prevent economic leakage.
Key Legislative Proposals
In recent years, multiple bills have been introduced in both the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate. These bills have generally aimed to:
- Allow licensed riverboat casinos to offer in-person sports betting
- Permit online sportsbooks operated by casino licensees or partnered operators
- Impose licensing fees ranging from $100,000 to $250,000
- Establish tax rates on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from sports betting, with proposals varying from 10% to 21%
- Fund problem gambling education and support services
One of the most consistent champions of sports betting legislation in Missouri has been Representative Dan Houx. His proposals have typically garnered bipartisan support in the House, passing with strong majorities. However, progress often stalls in the Missouri Senate due to political disagreements and amendments involving video lottery terminals (VLTs), which have proven to be a major point of contention.
Senate Roadblocks and VLT Controversy
The major hurdle in passing sports betting legislation in Missouri has consistently been the debate over VLTs. These devices, often located in truck stops and convenience stores, function like slot machines but operate in a legal gray area. Some senators have insisted that any sports betting bill must also include legalization and regulation of VLTs, while others strongly oppose them.
This disagreement has caused multiple bills that passed the House to die in the Senate, as negotiations reach a deadlock each legislative session. Lawmakers supporting clean sports betting bills argue that VLTs complicate the legislation and undermine efforts to focus solely on regulated sports wagering.
Voter-Led Initiative as a Fallback
Frustrated by the lack of progress in the legislature, a coalition of Missouri professional sports teams—including the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues—has explored the possibility of a voter-led ballot initiative. This strategy would allow Missouri voters to decide directly on the issue through a statewide referendum.
Such an initiative would require gathering a significant number of valid signatures and securing approval to appear on the ballot. If successful, it could bypass legislative gridlock and bring regulated sports betting to Missouri via public mandate.
Economic and Regional Impact
The delay in legalizing sports betting has placed Missouri at a competitive disadvantage. Residents frequently cross state lines to place wagers in neighboring jurisdictions where sports betting is legal. This outflow of potential revenue affects both casino operators and state tax collections.
Supporters of legalization argue that regulated sports betting could generate millions in tax revenue, boost tourism at casinos, and create jobs. Moreover, by regulating the industry, Missouri could implement responsible gambling programs and ensure fair play for consumers.
Outlook for the Future
Despite repeated setbacks, momentum for sports betting legalization in Missouri remains strong. Lawmakers continue to reintroduce bills each session, and public support for legal sports wagering is growing. The eventual passage of a sports betting bill—or the success of a ballot initiative—seems increasingly likely, though the timeline remains uncertain.
Until then, Missouri remains one of the few states in its region without legal sports betting, watching from the sidelines as its neighbors capitalize on a rapidly expanding industry.
