Missouri Sports Betting Back on the Table But Not Soon Enough for Chiefs Fans

Last week, progress was made in the legalization of sports betting in Missouri as House Bill 2331 moved forward after receiving a 5-2 vote from the Missouri House of Representatives Special Committee on Public Policy. Unfortunately, state residents are still unable to utilize our top sports betting sites.

Supporters of a legal Missouri sports betting platform have faced this situation before. Previous efforts to implement such initiatives have been debated and approved in the state’s House, only to ultimately fail in the Missouri Senate.

Legalization support in Missouri has been growing, with various groups, including all of the state’s sports teams, showing their support.

The St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis CITY SC, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Current have all backed a much-needed push for legal sports betting in Missouri. Members of the state’s House of Representatives and top sports betting apps are also showing support for potentially joining the thriving U.S. sports wagering market.

Legal sports betting has never been more prominent in Missouri, especially with the upcoming Super Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and March Madness on the horizon.

What is House Bill 2331?

House Bill 2331 in Missouri will permit casinos to provide in-person sports betting and each will have the opportunity to obtain up to three mobile sports betting licenses. Additionally, professional sports teams in the state will be eligible to apply for a mobile license.

If HB 2331 is passed, the tax rate would be lowered to 10%, benefiting industries in the state while also providing much-needed funding for education programs.

HB 2331 aims to provide Missouri residents with a sports betting platform, generating revenue that will benefit the state and prevent funds from leaving the local economy.

A report from the Missouri House of Representatives Special Committee on Public Policy reiterated that legalizing sports betting in Missouri could generate revenue for the state and prevent residents from gambling in neighboring states. The report highlighted that many Missouri residents currently bet in other states, leading to lost revenue for local businesses and the government. The committee emphasized that the proposed bill would not only protect players’ interests but also ensure player safety through necessary precautions.

Up to the Senate… or not?

Missouri has a history of introducing legal sports betting bills, with previous proposals from the House consistently stalling in the Senate. The outcome of HB 2331 remains uncertain.

One major challenge hindering progress on a Missouri legal sports wagering bill is the push from certain Senators to incorporate video lottery machines, a concept that has not gained traction. Sen. Denny Hoskins is leading the effort to include video lottery terminals, which has resulted in a delay in advancing the legislation.

Missouri sports teams are trying to avoid the conflict between the House and Senate by collaborating on a campaign called “Winning for Missouri Education.” This initiative, supported by prominent providers, seeks to bring the issue of legal sports betting to voters in the 2024 election.

To get the initiative on the election ballot, 200,000 signatures are needed. FanDuel has already donated $1.75 million to the campaign, while DraftKings has reportedly contributed $500,000.

The possibilities

Legal sports betting in Missouri is gaining momentum, but it appears unlikely to be implemented by 2024. The state’s teams and potential operators are leaning towards 2025 as a more realistic timeline, especially with the November ballot initiative. If the initiative is successful, it is unlikely that legislation will reach the governor’s desk before the end of the year.

Sen. Denny Hoskins’ exit from the Senate in January 2025 may create opportunities for new legislation in the state.

Unfortunately, Chiefs fans in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, or Arkansas will have to look to local sportsbooks to get their Super Bowl betting fix this year. However, there is hope that by the 2025 Super Bowl, they may be able to place bets from the comfort of their own homes.