Missouri state senators recently raised questions about Senator Denny Hoskins’ SB 44, which would legalize sports betting in-person at casinos as well as online after registering in person at a casino. If it becomes law, it would take effect August 28. The bill also would allow video lottery terminals at a variety of locations.
Under Hoskins’ measure, sports betting licenses would cost $10,000 with a $5,000 annual renewal fee. Adjusted gross receipts from sports bets would be taxed at 12 percent. Additionally, an administrative fee of 2.5 percent would be directed to the Gaming Commission Fund, of which 80 percent would go to the Veterans’ Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund. Also, the commission would require the casinos offering sports books to pay once a year a tax of 0.5 percent of all wagers, paid once a year. That money will go into a special fund to be used specifically for sport stadium infrastructure.
The bill also includes a self-exclusion provision, requiring operators to make sure they do not accept sports bets from self-excluded players. Operators also would be required to conduct background checks on all new hires and annual background checks on existing employees. All employees would be prohibited from placing bets on sporting events.
The Missouri Gaming Commission would have the authority to regulate all sports betting activities and to designate a state law enforcement entity to investigate unusual or suspicious betting activity.
Among the senators questioning the measure, state Senator Paul Wieland said he was concerned the annual wagering tax possibly could end up going to professional sports teams. He also said all tax revenue should go to education instead of veterans and asked about restrictions on betting on high school and youth sports.
Other sports betting bills under consideration include S 327 and S 222, which, like S 44, would legalize sports betting at casinos and online. S 187 also would allow mobile sports wagering. In addition, S 195 would repeal the ban on sports betting in Missouri and allow wagering on gambling boats, but it doesn’t mention online or mobile betting. In the House, H 119 would permit sports betting at casinos and on mobile apps, and also allow a royalty fee paid to professional and collegiate sports leagues.
