Lawmakers filed a bill in Missouri that proposed the legalization of slots and sports betting in the state. Wagering on sports is available in neighboring states, including Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Illinois. Also, Oklahoma is the only neighboring state without sports gambling.
The proliferation of illicit slot machines is another problem that has emerged in the state as politicians persist in their attempts to legalize sports betting. Legislators in Missouri are currently working to modify this practice, which allows such machines to run throughout the state without paying taxes or protecting players.
Four measures in the House and four in the Senate examine the possibility of legalizing gambling and sports betting, including slot machines. Once legalized, suppliers of betting software for bookies can also operate in the state.
Legalization of Slots and Sports Betting in Missouri
Now, a newly proposed law investigates the possibility of legalizing slot machines and sports betting. Last Tuesday, Rep. Crystal Quade submitted the measure to the state House. According to PPH bookie sources, a second reading of the plan followed last Wednesday. House Bill 2835 (HB 2835) would establish the Missouri Gaming Commission as the regulatory body for legalized sports betting. In addition to managing licenses and taxes, the Commission would have other responsibilities.
However, slot machines are also proposed to be legalized. HB 2835 proposes licensing such machines statewide, although the decision to enable them would be left to individual counties. According to pay per head sportsbook experts, Rep. Quade has introduced a bill to that effect. Also, his bill aims to legalize, tax, and regulate fairness in slot machines.
The purpose of HB2835 is to ensure that companies with slot machines do not place them where minors might get to them. There would also be a cap of five slot machines per establishment. If Quade’s proposal is successful, the state is anticipated to receive around $500 million in tax income.
