Sports betting passes Missouri House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A bill legalizing sports betting for Missourians over 21 passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dan Houx (R-Johnson County), has a 10% tax rate on adjusted gross winnings. The tax rate on sports betting was a point of contention during debates. Some lawmakers wanted to raise the rate to create more income for the state.

Other than the tax rate, sports betting is supported by lawmakers from both parties. The only person who spoke on the bill Wednesday was Rep. Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City), who said she supports it because her constituents have been asking for legal sports betting.

During committee hearings for this bill, representatives from nearly every professional sports team in Missouri spoke out in support.

Sports betting was legalized recently in surrounding states. Although Missouri lawmakers discussed it last year, it did not make it to the finish line. Many lawmakers are more hopeful this year.

GeoComply Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs John Pappas said Missouri is becoming an island surrounded by states that have legalized sports betting.

"People in Missouri don't have the consumer protection when they're betting online that someone would in Kansas or in Illinois," Pappas said.

The bill is now sent to the Senate for consideration.