As 2024 rolls on without any states greenlighting online sports betting, Missouri might just break the mold before we usher in 2025.
If The Show Me State’s ballot measure passes, the Missouri Gaming Commission will regulate sports betting. Operators will pay a 10% tax on their gross gaming revenue, which will fund the state’s education initiatives.
Additionally, $5 million will go to a fund for preventing compulsive gambling. The remaining revenue will support public schools and higher education, aligning with the coalition’s mission.
The Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and other professional sports teams in Missouri support the initiative. They often highlight the potential for increased fan engagement as a key reason for legalizing sports betting in the state.
What Other States Are Trying to Legalize Sports Betting?
Meanwhile, states like Minnesota, Georgia, California, Texas, and South Carolina are also on the radar for potential online sports betting legalization in the coming years.
For operators, California and Texas are the biggest gets because of their large populations. Although past attempts in California have failed, there’s growing recognition that tribal support is essential for future success. The path to legal sports betting in California is becoming clearer.
In Texas, the focus on casino expansion might delay sports betting legalization during the 2025 legislative session. However, stakeholders are expected to push for a broader gambling expansion agenda, but the Texas legislature meets every other year.
In Georgia and Minnesota, many sports betting bills have stalled over the years, and South Carolina has made little progress. However, North Carolina’s recent move to legalize online sports betting could influence neighboring South Carolina.
Missouri’s Effort May Be All For Naught
A recently filed lawsuit aims to stop Missouri’s efforts in its tracks.
The suit, filed in Cole County Circuit Court, claims the Missouri Secretary of State’s office used an unconstitutional method to certify that the sports betting proposal had enough signatures.
To qualify for the ballot, initiative petitions must get signatures from 8% of legal voters in six of the state’s eight congressional districts. The lawsuit also claims the Secretary of State’s office counted some invalid signatures in the 1st and 5th Districts.
Every State Has At Least Thought About Legalizing Sports Betting
Since 2018, when the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, nearly every state legislature has introduced a sports betting bill, with many revisiting or proposing new legislation in 2024.
Today, 38 states, along with Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, offer legal sports betting in various formats. Thirty states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, provide online sports betting through apps or websites.
Missouri is gearing up for a pivotal decision this November. Others may soon be following suit.
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