by Missourism
State Representative Dan Houx, a Republican from Warrensburg, remains determined in his pursuit of legalizing sports betting,
sponsoring a bill that has faced repeated opposition from fellow Republican Denny Hoskins in the Senate.
Houx emphasized before a Missouri House committee that the proposed measure, with a 10% tax, could generate approximately $35 million for education.
The bill allows sports teams, mobile operators, and casinos to have skins, which can be sold with fees ranging from $100,000 to $350,000.
Houx, aware of the challenges, expressed that if his bill doesn't pass this year, he would back a ballot measure aiming to legalize sports gambling.
However, even if the bill secures passage in the Missouri House, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden indicates it won't reach the governor's desk, stating he would oppose it in the Senate.
Despite potential roadblocks, Houx has notable supporters, including St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III, who expressed frustration over the bill's delay and highlighted the growing participation in illegal online sports betting due to restrictions.
DeWitt emphasized the need to address this issue to prevent the expansion of an unregulated and untaxed illegal marketplace in Missouri.
On the opposing side, critics like Bob Priddy argue against the legalization of sports wagering, labeling it as irresponsible fiscal policy.
Priddy contends that the state would be at a disadvantage from the outset, citing the proposed 10% tax rate compared to the existing 21% tax on casino wagering, resulting in a net loss for the state.