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.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+. MI, NJ, PA and WV only. New Customers Only (If applicable). Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit/Bonus Bets unless otherwise provided in the applicable terms. Rewards subject to expiry.
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.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. This promotional offer is not available in Mississippi, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY), Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN).
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.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Fees may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Limited time offer. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription auto-renews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Digital-only games excluded. Commercial use excluded. Addt’l terms: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/draftkings/. Offer ends 9/29/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
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.
Url copied!
Get Unrestricted Access
Join the excitement!
Create a FREE Account
- So many have already secured their premium access.