Sports betting is supported by a majority of Missouri residents who are fans of sports, but plans to legalize it have currently stalled in the state’s legislation.
This was shared on March 22, 2024 at 04:04 (24-hour format).
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Despite the increasing support for sports betting in Missouri, fans hoping to legally bet on their NCAA brackets are still unable to do so as March Madness continues. A recent poll reveals the rising interest in sports betting in the Show Me State.
Residents of Missouri who wish to legally bet on sports during March Madness within the state will have to wait until next year because legislation on sports betting is stuck in a state of uncertainty within the legislature.
Last week, Saint Louis University and YouGov published a survey revealing that 60% of Missouri voters are in favor of legalizing sports betting in order to raise funds for public education. A representative for Winning for Missouri Education stated that the petition to include this issue on the November ballot is progressing faster than expected.
“The most recent poll underscores that now is the time for Missouri to generate tens of millions in education funding each year by finally legalizing sports betting,” said Jack Cardetti. “Missourians want a legal, safe way to bet on sports, while also boosting our economy, and supporting Missouri students and teachers.”
At the start of the legislative session, two legislators from Missouri introduced two bills that aim to legalize sports betting within the state. One of the bills, HB 2331, is currently awaiting its third reading. The current legislative session will conclude on May 17.
“We are located near the border, and as you are aware, we have the option to cross the river in Kansas and make bets,” stated Representative Dean Van Schoiack of District 9. “Residents on the Western side of Missouri can go to either Kansas or Oklahoma to bet, while those on the Eastern side can go to Kentucky or Tennessee. Unfortunately, this means we are losing potential revenue.”
The House has passed similar legislation in the last two years, but it has not been approved by the Senate.
The current status of ballot initiatives in Missouri
The current condition of ballot initiatives in Missouri, also known as the “Show Me State.”
The group Winning for Missouri Education is backed by all six of Missouri’s major sports teams. The initiative to add a constitutional amendment to the ballot requires over 170,000 signatures from voters across the state by May 5. As of February, the coalition had gathered 100,000 signatures.
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Regarding the attempts to pass legislation on sports betting, it seems that the issue once again lies in the Senate where there are disagreements on whether the state should also permit video lottery terminals.
Missouri’s Casino Revenues Experience Increase in February
Missouri’s casino business saw a rise in February, despite ongoing debates about sports betting in the state. The total adjusted gross revenue (AGR) reached $156.9 million, showing a 14% growth from the previous month’s $135.4 million.
The February numbers reported by the Missouri Gaming Commission show a slight increase compared to the February 2019 Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). In February, a total of $32.9 million was collected in gaming taxes from all licensed casinos, marking a 13% growth from the previous month according to the Commission.
