Missouri is counting on the NFL to save its sports betting season.
This summer, the state took stock of the tax revenues it had received so far from its first year of legalized sports betting and found it was not yet halfway to its goal of more than $25 million.
State officials say they aren’t concerned. The NFL season, which kicks off Wednesday, will bring in more than $13 million by the end of November, they say.
“You get into the start of football, and that’s always a big deal,” said Mike Leara, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission. “I’m still optimistic that the $25 million will be accomplished. … I’m not ready to change the projection.”
