Sports betting is currently not regulated in Missouri, but there’s a major push underway by lawmakers and a coalition of the Show-Me State’s professional sports teams. They’re hoping that there is power in numbers and their support can get the issue to voters on the 2024 ballot.
Push from Lawmakers
Let’s start with lawmakers. We’re only one month into the new year and there are already multiple sports betting bills on the table for discussion.
Representative Dan Houx introduced HB 2331 was discussed during a hearing conducted by the Missouri House Special Committee on Public Policy.
Meanwhile, Senator Tony Luetkemeyer hopes SB852 can help get sports betting legalized. If passed, the legislation would permit riverboat casinos in the state to collaborate with up to three online sportsbooks. Additionally, each professional sports team in Missouri would have the opportunity to partner with one online sports betting operator under SB852.
And then there’s Senator Denny Hoskins’ bill. SB824, which closely mirrors SB852, presents similar suggestions for sports betting and responsible gaming measures.
Hoskins views the legalization of gaming machines under the lottery as a promising avenue to establish a dedicated funding source for veterans’ homes and cemeteries. He has also been outspoken about addressing the obstacles to sports betting in Missouri, taking responsibility for the previous failure to pass legislation on the matter.
It is in the Missouri Senate where previous bills have died.
Missouri Pro Sports Teams Offer Support
One group that wants to see sports betting legalized in Missouri is the state’s six major professional sports teams.
They are seeking signatures for a petition to legalize sports betting on the November ballot. The teams are coming together, forming a coalition, and pushing for the legalization of sports betting in Missouri.
The coalition is spearheaded by the St. Louis Cardinals and is made up of six pro teams, including:
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Kansas City Royals
- Kansas City Chiefs
- St. Louis Blues
- Kansas City Current
- St. Louis City soccer teams
That means all four of the state’s major sports teams are on board.
They believe that regulated betting would provide fans with a new and exciting way to enjoy sports and root for their teams. They’re even committing to collectively helping cover the cost of gathering petition signatures and running an advertising campaign for ballot measure.
Researcher on the Effects of Sports Betting Underway
There’s also a massive research project underway that is taking a closer look at the effects sports betting can have on people.
The Missouri Gaming Commission and the Department of Mental Health plan to work together on this research, with an estimated cost of $500,000 for an external contractor.
They aim to submit the first report by the end of 2025, followed by subsequent reports every three years. However, the funding source for this research is still uncertain, and it’s unclear whether it will come from the Gaming Commission’s regular budget or the Compulsive Gamblers Fund.
What’s Next for the Sports Betting Push in Missouri?
Although the chances of legalizing sports betting in Missouri remain uncertain, the ongoing discussions and initiatives are encouraging. On top of that, lawmakers continue to watch a large number of Missouri citizens cross state lines to open and activate online sports betting accounts elsewhere.
If the pro the teams get the signatures they need and their proposed constitutional amendment makes it to the ballot and passes, the start date for legal sports betting in Missouri could be no later than Dec. 1, 2025.
It’s still a long way off, but gives supporters a glimmer of hope.
