Missouri legislators aren’t wasting any time in 2024, with two bills proposing the legalization of sports betting introduced in the state’s Senate this year, marking another effort in the state’s ongoing attempts to regulate betting.
Senate Bill 852 (SB 852), introduced by Republican Sen. Tony Leutkemeyer, and Senate Bill 824, filed by Republican Sen. Denny Hoskins, propose two different frameworks for the legalization and regulation of sports betting.
SB 824 primarily aims to legalize video lottery terminals across Missouri, which he argues would counteract the black market. However, the bill also includes provisions for sports betting, similar to SB 852, but with a slightly lower tax rate of 10 percent on gross gaming revenue.
Efforts in 2023 and 2022 to legalize sports betting in Missouri were unsuccessful, with bills not being discussed or dying in committee. One notable barrier has been Sen. Hoskins’ insistence on including provisions of VLTs in any sports betting legislation, leading to filibusters that have stalled progress.
SB 852 is Sen. Leutkemeyer’s second straight effort after an unsuccessful attempt in 2023 and does not contain provisions for VLTs. The bill outlines a structure for online and in-person sports betting. it would permit the state’s riverboat casinos to collaborate with up to three online sports betting operators and requires a study every five years on the effect of gaming on the state. In addition, it allows Missouri’s professional sports teams to each partner with one online sportsbook. To get a license, operators would face a $100,000 fee, with renewal fees due every four years.
The bill restricts betting to those 21 and older and excludes betting on high-school athletic events. It proposes a 12 percent tax rate on gross gaming revenue, with allowances for promotional credit deductions in the initial years.
Amid these legislative efforts, there is notable support for sports betting from athletic bodies within the state, particularly among Missouri’s sports teams. The Missouri Pro Sports Betting Coalition has filed four petitions to include sports wagering on the November ballot.
The coalition’s goal is to amend the Missouri constitution to allow sports betting with an aim to launch it by Dec. 25, 2025.
