It's information overload everywhere, and there's not time enough to sleep and eat and stay fully apprised of what's happening on this crazy blue dot of ours. So here's the Friday Sports Handle column, “Get a Grip,” highlighting some fresh news and recapping the week's top U.S. sports betting stories.'
Future of wagering a mess in Missouri
The future of Missouri sports betting remains as clear as mud this week after Rep. Dan Houx held a Tuesday hearing on his latest wagering bill.
Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowen is already at odds with Sen. Denny Hoskins, who has filibustered to kill legal wagering in the past. Rowden and Hoskins are both running for Secretary of State, and Rowden this week called the start of the session “an embarrassment.” Hoskins is part of a far-right conservative group that Rowden refers to as the “Chaos Caucus,” and he's already pulled committee assignments and shifted parking spots for some members, including Hoskins.'
Houx's HB 2331 allows for statewide mobile betting, sets a 10% tax rate, names the Missouri Gaming Commission as the regulator, and requires the use of official league data. The digital application fee would be $150,000, with a $325,000 annual renewal. Proceeds from sports betting would be tagged for education.'