Sports betting legalization efforts are underway again in Missouri, with two new bills recently introduced in the state Legislature.
Republican Senator Tony Leutkemeyer has filed SB852, while Republican Senator Denny Hoskins has filed SB824. These bills propose different frameworks for the legalization and regulation of sports betting in the state. Previous attempts to legalize sports betting in Missouri have been unsuccessful, but there is renewed hope for progress in 2024.
Senator Leutkemeyer’s SB852 aims to legalize sports betting in Missouri. This is his second consecutive effort, following the failure of his previous attempt in 2023. The bill proposes allowing the state’s riverboat casinos to partner with up to three online sports betting operators. Additionally, professional sports teams in Missouri would be permitted to partner with one online sportsbook each.
To apply for a license, operators would need to pay a $100,000 fee, with renewal fees required every four years. The bill specifies that players aged 21 and over would be allowed to bet on professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB and MLS. The final catalog of approved sports events would be determined by the Missouri Gaming Commission if the bill becomes law.
However, the bills also come with certain restrictions. Betting on high-school athletic events would remain illegal, and there would be no prop betting on college sports or college sports games involving a Missouri team. These limitations aim to maintain the integrity of sports and protect vulnerable groups, such as minors and amateur athletes.
Operators would be taxed at a rate of 12 percent of their gross gaming revenue (GGR), with a provision for promo credit deductions during the initial years. These deductions would be reduced gradually over time until they are eliminated after the fifth year.
Senator Hoskins’ SB824 primarily focuses on legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs) across Missouri. The bill argues that legalizing VLTs would help combat the black market. While the main objective is VLT legalization, the bill also includes provisions for sports betting, similar to SB852.
Under SB824, operators would be subjected to a slightly lower tax rate of 10 percent on their GGR. The bill also allows for promotional credit deductions. However, Sen. Hoskins’ insistence on including VLT language in any sports betting legislation has been a major hurdle in previous attempts to legalize sports betting in Missouri.
Efforts to legalize sports betting in Missouri have faced challenges in previous years. In 2023, Rep. Dan Houx’s House bill was not discussed in the Senate, and two other bills died in committee. The inclusion of VLT language, advocated by Sen. Hoskins, has proven to be a major sticking point, leading to filibusters and stalling progress.
Similar challenges were encountered in 2022 when HB2556 also failed to advance in the Senate. Despite these setbacks, there remains a strong desire for sports betting legalization in Missouri, particularly among the state’s sports teams. The Missouri Pro Sports Betting Coalition has filed four petitions to include sports wagering on the November ballot. Their goal is to amend the Missouri constitution to allow sports betting and launch it no later than December 25, 2025.
By allowing partnerships between riverboat casinos, professional sports teams, and online sports betting operators, both proposed bills aim to create a competitive market that benefits both the industry and consumers. The inclusion of online sports betting options would provide convenience and accessibility for bettors, while partnerships with professional sports teams could enhance fan engagement and drive more interest in sporting events.
