Larry Henry is a veteran print and broadcast reporter and editor who has been a political editor at the Las Vegas Sun and managing editor at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Northwest Arkansas. Larry also has experience with media outlets in other states with gaming, including Tennessee and Louisiana.
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Without discussion, the lower chamber approved House Bill Nos. 2502 and 2556 on a 115-33 vote.
Before sports betting becomes legal, the state Senate still needs to approve the legislation. Any change there would have to be worked out between the House and Senate.
If OK’d in both chambers, the legislation would go to Republican Gov. Mike Parson for his consideration.
The legislative session ends May 20 at the Capitol in Jefferson City.
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Missouri Tax Rate Set at 8%
Sponsored by Reps. Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg, and Phil Christofanelli, R-St. Peters, the legislation would implement an 8% tax on sports betting revenue.
An earlier version of the legislation would have imposed a 10% tax, but that figure was lowered to 8% in an amendment approved in the House on Wednesday.
Pro Sports Teams Support Statewide Wagering
Sports betting measures have failed at past legislative sessions, but this year received support from a coalition of the state’s casinos and professional sports teams.
The teams include the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. The St. Louis City soccer team also has expressed support.
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Neighboring States Allow Sports Betting
In a discussion on the House floor Wednesday, some lawmakers noted that Missouri residents either are using illegal apps to wager on sports or are crossing into neighboring states where sports betting is legal. The state is losing tax revenue either way, the bill’s supporters said.
Among the eight states that border Missouri, sports betting is operational in Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas. It is legal but is not yet operational in a fifth neighboring state, Nebraska.
Legislation is under consideration to legalize sports betting in the other three bordering states: Kentucky, Oklahoma and Kansas.
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