Missouri lawmakers hear out arguments for legalized sports betting

Missouri legislators gathered Thursday to debate legalizing sports betting in the state.

Missouri has set up a special committee on gambling and the state’s General Assembly is expected to consider legalizing sports betting next year.

Previous debates on the legalization of sports betting in the state have been subjected to criticism of how and where revenue would be allotted.

Missouri gambling operators are also at odds with professional sports leagues looking to receive cuts from the handle, which has previously been a topic of debate between the leagues, operators and the American Gaming Association.

The state is home to five professional sports teams, and St. Louis is expected to field an MLS franchise by 2022.

Missouri officially has 13 legal casinos in the state.

Gambling has become a hot button issue in Missouri, where authorities have recently got tougher on illegal gaming.

The Missouri Gambling Commission estimates illegal slot machines and other gambling devices have diverted around $50m from the state’s lottery.

Ezra Amacher

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