For years, Missouri has seen tax dollars leave its state as bettors crossed the borders into Illinois and other states with legal sports betting.
But with Illinois’ new per-bet tax beginning at 25 cents, sportsbooks could start pushing customers in the other direction this year.
Missouri sports betting does not begin until Dec. 1, as regulators chose the latest possible date to launch. Missing the majority of the NFL season is never ideal for a new market but the state could see a bump thanks to the changes in Illinois.
Taking bets in Missouri will mean higher margins, especially for the biggest operators as they climb Illinois’ sports betting tax ladder.
