Missouri considers legalizing sports betting and video lottery terminals
Missouri Senate hears testimony on sports betting legalization. Two bills were introduced, one of them authorizing video lottery terminals.
The Missouri Senate held a hearing on the legalization of sports betting for the first time this session. Supporters of the plan included representatives of all six of Missouri's professional sports teams, who stated that they had learned from other states and were in favor of legalizing sports betting.
Of the two bills introduced, one focuses only on sports wagering, while the other also authorizes video lottery terminals. The latter has a $5 million deposit requirement for the Compulsive Gamblers Fund and allows businesses such as truck stops and veterans organizations to operate eight machines. However, this bill does not have the support of Missouri's casinos.
If passed, sports betting would only be allowed in Missouri's casinos or online for people physically located in the state, with revenue from the 10% tax on sports bets going into the Gaming Proceeds for Education fund.