Missouri Bill Aims to Legalize Sports Betting and Slot Machines

Missouri is considering legislation that could significantly alter the state’s approach to sports betting and slot machines. House Bill 2835, spearheaded by House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, aims to bring both sports betting and slot gambling under state regulation, potentially generating up to $500 million in tax revenue. This initiative underscores Missouri’s intent to join neighboring states in legalizing sports betting while curbing the proliferation of unregulated slot machines.

Representative Quade’s proposal is not only about introducing sports betting to Missourians but also about addressing the rampant spread of so-called “no chance” gaming machines. These devices, found in various establishments across the state, have been operating without oversight, avoiding taxes and bypassing essential player protection measures.

The bill suggests a framework where slot machines would be allowed statewide, yet giving individual counties the autonomy to decide their stance on these devices. Businesses would be limited to hosting no more than five slot machines, placed in areas inaccessible to children, ensuring a controlled and safe gaming environment.

The legalization of sports betting, a focal point of the bill, aligns Missouri with the ongoing trend in the United States, where neighboring states like Arkansas, Illinois, and Iowa have already embraced the practice.

Crystal Quade

By regulating sports betting, Missouri aims to harness a burgeoning market that promises substantial tax revenue, benefiting crucial sectors such as education and public safety. The bill assigns the Missouri Gaming Commission the task of overseeing the licensing and operational aspects of sports betting, ensuring a transparent and fair process.

Quade’s initiative reflects a broader legislative effort to tackle gambling-related issues within the state. With eight bills currently filed in the Missouri Legislature addressing sports wagering and gaming, there’s a clear consensus on the need for comprehensive regulation. The inclusion of slot machines in the same bill as sports betting highlights a strategic attempt to address two significant concerns simultaneously, despite the challenges of navigating legislative hurdles.

The push for legalizing sports betting and regulating slot machines comes at a crucial time. With the rise of illegal gambling devices and the increasing popularity of sports betting in neighboring states, Missouri faces pressure to update its

gambling regulations to reflect current trends and demands. Springfield’s recent decision to ban gaming machines, leading to a lawsuit from device owners, further underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for state-level intervention.

Quade’s leadership in introducing House Bill 2835 signals a proactive approach to resolving these challenges. By proposing a bill that not only legalizes sports betting and slot machines but also empowers local jurisdictions to implement their own regulations, Quade addresses both the desire for statewide policy and the importance of local autonomy. This balanced approach may serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues.

As Missouri awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on the West Flagler Associates case, which could have far-reaching implications for sports betting across the country, the state’s legislative efforts underscore a commitment to adapting its legal framework to the evolving landscape of gambling and sports betting.

With the potential for significant tax revenue and the promise of a regulated, safe gaming environment, the outcome of House Bill 2835 and the broader legislative push could mark a pivotal moment in Missouri’s gambling history.