Sports Betting and Gaming Activity in MO
On 03/02 the House Policy Committee voted to approve sports betting legislation. Our state lobbyist posted a video update here.
In Gaming, the Senate Appropriations Committee (Dan Hegeman Chairman) will hold a hearing on Wednesday March 9th. 830am CST.
Three amendments were added to a committee substitute.
- Expanding the compulsive gambling amount to $500K—up from $250K
- Reducing the promotional credits 25% a year until the fifth and subsequent year(s)
- Ban on wagers for elementary or secondary school athletic or sporting events
The bill has been reported to the Rules committee and the Chairman has indicated his support. That vote could occur sometime next week. The rules committee usually meets twice a week depending on need. Monday(s) and Wednesday.
Legislative Spring Break starts next Thursday with Legislators returning to work on Monday March 21st.
iDEA’s lobbyist Scott Swain submitted testimony on our behalf at the hearing and was on hand to answer lawmaker’s questions. Over the past few weeks, he has joined a coalition of stakeholders in meeting with lawmakers to advocate for the bill.
The Missouri Senate posted a hearing notice last night for 5 bills regarding Gaming. The Senate Appropriations Committee (Dan Hegeman Chairman) will hold a hearing on Wednesday March 9th. 830am CST.
Hoksins SB642 deals with VTL legalization
Hoskins SB43 deals with VLT and Sports Wagering
May SB686 deals with VLT
Hegeman SB1046 deals with Sports Wagering——this is the agreed to language that is similar to what was filed in the House by Rep Dan Houx (2502)
Luetkemeyer SB 1061 is identical to SB1046 Sports Wagering
The House hearing two weeks ago took nearly 3.5 hours and this one could take much longer.
There is a new development in the House. The Rules Chairman Jay Eggelston is concerned about how the teams get paid and there was a call this morning (Friday) with a few of the stakeholders and the Chair. New language is being drafted regarding his concerns but we are anticipating that the teams will not support these changes. I wish I had more color at this time but more will follow.
We are working with other pro-sports betting lobbyists to let the sports betting bill proceed on its own – perhaps seeking to obtain a separate vote on the VLT issue.