Three Missouri state senators have pre-filed sports betting bills for the 2021 legislative session that starts January 6. Lawmakers are under pressure since sports wagering is legal in four neighboring states–Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa and Tennessee.
The bills are identical to measures that were introduced but stalled last year. That means legislators will already be familiar with them. On the other hand, none of them passed. However, observers said Covid-19 had a lot to do with that.
State Senator Denny Hoskins filed SB 18. Like the bill he sponsored last year, HB 567, the measure would legalize sports betting online and at the state’s 13 casinos and lottery retailers. It would require online sportsbooks to pay a $25,000 application fee and $50,000 annual license fee. Revenue would be taxed at 9 percent. The bill also requires a 0.25 percent integrity fee paid to sports leagues and official league data for in-play betting.
Hoskins said 26 other states have authorized sports betting and Missouri is losing revenue as a result. “Missourians will literally drive to the state of Iowa and go up there to a casino, or literally drive across the Iowa state line so they can place a legal bet in the state of Iowa, and then drive back home to Missouri,” Hoskins said.
He explained under his bill, bettors would be able to wager on professional and college sports. “So if you wanted to make a bet on the Missouri University Tigers football or basketball team, you’d be able to make that bet as well,” Hoskins said.
He projects Missouri would receive $37 million to $50 million annually in new tax revenue under his legislation. “I most certainly don’t want to raise taxes, but I would like to see the tax income from sports wagering come to the state of Missouri,” Hoskins said.
State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer filed SB 217. Like SB 754 which he sponsored last year, it would legalize sports betting online and at casinos. The license application fee would be $10,000 with $5,000 for the annual license fee. Revenue would be taxed at 6.25 percent. This bill also includes an integrity fee, 0.75 percent. It bans prop betting on college sports.
State Senator Caleb Rowden filed SB 256, which is identical to HB 2318 proposed last year by state Rep. Phil Christofanelli. It also would legalize sports betting online and at casinos. The application fee would be $50,000 and the annual license fee would be $20,000. Revenue would be taxed at 6.75 percent tax rate.
