‘Not this year.’ Missouri unlikely to legalize sports betting after fight over slots
The odds that Missouri could pass legalized sports betting this year dwindled this week after legislators failed to come to an agreement over whether to allow controversial gambling machines at truck stops and veterans organizations.
A bill that would allow Missourians to place bets on major college and professional sports passed the House last month, but it stalled on the Senate floor this week after an hours-long filibuster over the machines, called video lottery terminals.
With only two weeks left to pass legislation, Missouri lawmakers say the proposal is all but dead. Its murky future comes as nearly every surrounding state has passed some form of sports betting legislation since the U.S. Supreme Court gave the OK in 2018.
It also means that some fans in Kansas City may soon be heading for the state border to place their bets. While Missouri lawmakers were at odds over their proposal, the Kansas Senate voted early Friday morning to send its version to Gov. Laura Kelly’s desk — paving the way for the Sunflower State to inch out Missouri in the gambling border war.
“That sucks if they get it done before we do,” Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden of Columbia said of Kansas’ proposal Thursday. “Most of the states around us have it at this point. I might have to move to Kansas City.”
Slot machines at issue in gambling legislation
The Senate’s version of the proposal would have legalized and regulated video lottery terminals — gambling slot machines that have popped up in gas stations and fraternal clubs in rural parts of the state.
Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, a Jefferson City Republican, on Wednesday filed an amendment to remove that language, effectively outlawing the machines.
Bernskoetter’s amendment sparked an hours-long filibuster by Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican and supporter of video lottery terminals.
He warned that he had 153 amendments prepared, a reference to the $153 million more in tax revenue he says his proposal would bring to public education and veterans programs.
‘Chances are pretty slim’
After roughly three hours of debate, the Senate adjourned without a decision, leaving a difficult path ahead for legalized sports betting this year. The legislative session ends on May 13.
“I try to be optimistic, but I think the chances are pretty slim right now,” Hoskins said of the likelihood sports betting would pass this year.
Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence told reporters Thursday that some senators view legalized VLTs as the only way to get rid of illegal gambling machines — often referred to as “gray machines” because of their murky legal status — “littered throughout Missouri.”
Others, he said, don’t support the machines at all.
“I do believe that there needs to be some regulation in order,” he said of the gambling machines. “I can also see the perspective of the other side…I’m very torn.”
Asked if he had any confidence the sports betting legislation would pass, Rizzo said “not this year.”
This story was originally published April 29, 2022 at 11:56 AM.
