Missouri legislators to discuss sports betting

The lawmakers in Missouri are going to discuss the proposal to start sports betting in the state in 2019.

Following the US Supreme Court ruling to lift the federal ban on sports betting last year, several states have either started discussions or moved to an advanced stage in creating legislation to allow sports betting. Missouri lawmakers are following the path and all set to discuss sports betting at the start of the 2019 session.

The session, which will last for approximately five months, will count with sports betting as one of its main topics. While a number of lawmakers have already filed bills that would pave the way for sports betting in the state, there is an ongoing discussion between casinos and sports leagues, which are asking for a share of the profits.

Sports leagues told lawmakers that they would direct the money to a fund that would ensure players and teams are protected from fraudulent activity. However, Missouri Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Winter said that the “integrity fees” are unwarranted: “The leagues and those who are supporting the integrity fee should already be doing those functions.”