Missouri’s sports betting landscape faces uncertainty as Governor Mike Parson chooses not to prioritize the issue during the special legislative session in 2022. Despite a previous bill’s passage in the House, the Senate’s reluctance to move forward hindered progress. A similar bill, championed by Representative Dan Houx, aimed to keep the topic alive, proposing statewide mobile and retail wagering. However, the Governor’s focus on discussing income tax cuts for state residents sidelines the sports betting agenda.
The 2022 Legislative Session: Sports Betting on Hold
Governor Parson’s decision not to prioritize the sports betting bill during the special legislative session raises questions about its future. Despite passing the House previously, the bill couldn’t gain momentum in the Senate. The Governor’s spokesperson clarified that sports betting was not a relevant topic for the special session’s agenda, keeping it from moving forward for now. The bill’s fate now hinges on its consideration in the 2023 legislative session.
Representative Dan Houx’s Efforts to Revive Sports Betting
Representative Dan Houx seeks to breathe new life into the sports betting issue with his legislation. The proposed bill resembles the one that successfully passed the House before. It aims to establish statewide mobile and retail wagering, with tie-ins to existing casinos and professional sports venues. While the bill faces an uncertain future, Houx’s determination to keep the topic alive keeps the hopes of sports betting enthusiasts alive.
GeoComply’s Blockade: A Glimpse into Missouri’s Interest in Sports Betting
GeoComply, a geolocation data firm, sheds light on Missouri’s interest in sports betting. On the first day of legal sports betting in neighboring Kansas, GeoComply blocked approximately 16,000 cross-border transactions originating from Missouri. Of these, a significant 60% came from the Missourian part of Kansas City. The blockade underscores the clear demand for sports betting among Missouri residents. Despite the lack of legalized sports betting within the state, the numbers indicate a strong interest, posing potential revenue opportunities for the future.
Missouri’s sports betting bill faces hurdles as Governor Parson prioritizes other legislative matters during the special session in 2022. While Representative Dan Houx’s efforts aim to keep the issue alive, its fate rests on the 2023 legislative session’s deliberations. GeoComply’s data highlights the evident interest among Missouri residents, as demonstrated by the blocked cross-border transactions during Kansas’s first day of legal sports betting. As neighboring states continue to embrace sports betting, Missouri stands at a crossroads, with potential economic and recreational benefits waiting to be unlocked through thoughtful legislation. The coming months will unveil the state’s approach to this burgeoning industry and its willingness to address the desires of its citizens.