State Senator Denny Hoskins has been the primary obstacle to legalized sports betting in Missouri in the last two years and St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III has had enough of what he calls Hoskins’ obstruction.
DeWitt, in an interview with Legal Sports Report, expressed his frustration with Hoskins. DeWitt is part of a coalition that has been trying to get legalized sports betting to the Show Me State.
“We don’t think Denny is serious,” DeWitt said. “The definition of insanity, this situation is in the dictionary. The door for negotiation is always open. But when you insist on doing the business of Illinois gray-machine companies, it makes it tough.”
Hoskins’ staunch opposition to including video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the same bill as sports betting has led to the stalling of legislative efforts. While Hoskins has championed legalizing VLTs in convenience stores across the state, his combined bill failed to advance out of committee, causing frustration among the supporters of sports betting. Hoskins has made it clear that he will continue to obstruct sports betting legislation unless Missouri casinos are willing to compromise on their demands.
Hoskins’ opposition to sports betting legislation has raised questions about the influence of lobbying and campaign finance in Missouri. According to campaign finance reports, Hoskins has received multiple donations from Illinois-based J&J Ventures Gaming, the Missouri Coin Operators Association PAC, and the MO Coalition For Video Lottery PAC.
These organizations, including J&J Ventures, Golden Entertainment, and Accel Entertainment Gaming, have contributed over $10,000 to Citizens for Hoskins. The financial support from VLT lobbyists has raised concerns about the motivations behind Hoskins’ obstruction.
DeWitt has expressed his willingness to negotiate with Hoskins on various causes he supports, such as veterans’ support and education. However, DeWitt claims that Hoskins has shown no interest in these offers, leaving the coalition frustrated but determined to pursue the legalization of sports betting through alternative means. DeWitt said there are plans for a ballot initiative to legalize sports betting in Missouri if legislative efforts fail once again in 2024.
Hoskins has vowed to lead a filibuster for the third consecutive year in the legislature if his version of the bill is not accepted.
“I’ll be an obstructionist until I get my way.” Hoskins said on the Senate floor.
DeWitt told LSR, however, that they are willing to wait out Hoskins.
“Obviously, he has been our issue,” DeWitt said. “We are ready to negotiate with him and he’s shared no interest. We’re frustrated, it’s a winning issue. We think it will happen, it’s just a matter of when.”
