Missouri lawmakers opted to move legal sports betting in the state one step closer to reality late Monday with a preliminary House vote of approval.
Live debate was not available to monitor due to technical difficulties with the General Assembly website, but sources say that while several amendments were discussed, none passed. A second vote in favor is still required — with consideration expected this week — for the legislation to advance to the Senate.
The House passed a similar bill in 2022, but it was killed by filibuster in the Senate, and there is no guarantee that won’t happen again this session. Sen. Denny Hoskins still favors linking legal sports wagering to legalization of video lottery terminals. Hoskins’ SB 1 did not make it out of committee in the Senate.
HB 556'and'HB 581 together would legalize digital and retail sports betting at a 10% tax rate with that money earmarked for educational initiatives. The proposals would allow for wagering on professional and college sports.