When it comes to The Show Me State, the governor’s administration wants someone to show them how the state agencies proposed sports betting bill collects and distributes the taxes generated. A fiscal review pointed out the glitch.
“Without the identification of an agency to collect the tax, no tax can be collected. Due to wording in this IP (initiative petition), the Department of Revenue assumes this IP will not generate any revenue to the state,” the analysis says, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Despite the supposed glitch, the bill has the support of the pro sports teams in the state, according to Yogonet Gaming News.
A spokesperson denies the glitch exists.
“Both the Missouri Constitution and our statutes give the Missouri Department of Revenue independent authority to collect all taxes imposed by law and deposit the funds, which is exactly what they will do after this November when Missourians legalize sports betting and provide tens of millions in annual, dedicated funding for Missouri education,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Winning for Missouri Education, was quoted as saying.
So there.
Chuck Hatfield, who wrote the bill, said the wording gives the administration more flexibility in overseeing the program.
Unhappy over the failure to get something passed by lawmakers, six sports teams—St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis City SC, and the Kansas City Current—will collect enough signatures to get the measure on the November ballot. Supporters are using $500,000 in contributions from FanDuel and DraftKings to help fund the signature collection process.
The proposal carries a 10 percent tax. To make it on the ballot, at least 8 percent of registered voters must sign the petition in six of eight Missouri districts. A total of 171,000 signatures are needed at the minimum.
“The citizens of this state have been forced to play shorthanded in comparison to our surrounding neighbors when it comes to having the ability to participate in legal sports wagering, sending valuable tax dollars over our borders instead of keeping them in-state to improve the lives of Missourians,” said Chris Zimmerman, St. Louis Blues CEO and president of business operations, as per the report.
Blues fans can sign their names to petitions at home games.
Another question relates to a lack of details to collect revenue for the compulsive gambling prevention fund.
“It should be noted that the commission is not expressly authorized under this proposal to collect fees described,” an analysis said.
