Is Missouri sports betting legalization back on the table in 2023? Lawmakers in the state are more motivated than ever to pass legislation.
After missing out on beating Kansas to the punch, Rep. Dan Houx pushed HB 4 as a last-minute effort to pass legislation in 2022. These efforts failed, however, lawmakers seem ready to strongly push for sports betting at the turn of the year.
Missouri Sports Betting Efforts Intensify
The success of the Kansas sports betting market is a major motivator for Missouri lawmakers. Thousands of Missourians have crossed the border to bet on sports which have shown a strong appetite for betting. Kansas saw over 2.4 million wagers placed within the first two weeks of being live.
Senator Denny Hoskins has pre-filed a bill for the 2023 legislative session. This bill also includes the addition of gas station lottery machines, a controversial topic. Additionally, another lawmaker is expected to file a sports betting bill as well.
“The message that my colleagues have communicated to me is that we want to get this done, we want to get this off our plate and off the table,” said Denny Hoskins, State Senator, in an interview with The Star Monday. “I think it has a very good chance of passing.”
Kansas Taking Missouri Bettors
GeoComply Solutions Inc. reported the sheer volume of sports bets attempted at Kansas sportsbooks from Missouri residents. Approximately 104,000 attempts were blocked during the opening days of sports betting in Kansas.
“I was blown away by just the sheer amount of bets that were placed in Kansas, the amount of bets that were tried to be placed in Missouri,” said Kurtis Gregory, Republican State Rep. “The number one thing I heard from friends and some constituents was ‘what is taking you guys so long to do this? I’m tired of driving to the state of Kansas to place a bet.’”
Members from both the republican and democratic parties are in favor of bringing sports betting to the Show Me State. There is optimism that things will get done during the 2023 legislative session. Locals may soon have their own betting market on their hands.
