At LaSalle for MO7, we’re often asked about the legal status of sports gambling apps in Missouri. The question of whether sports gambling apps are legal in Missouri is complex and evolving.
Currently, sports betting remains illegal in the state, but there’s growing interest in changing this status. My blog post explores the current landscape, potential benefits, and what the future might hold for sports betting in Missouri.
Current Legal Status of Sports Gambling Apps in Missouri
Missouri’s gambling laws prohibit sports gambling apps, making it one of the few remaining states where this activity is illegal. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees gambling activities in the state, but their jurisdiction does not extend to sports gambling apps due to its current illegal status.
Recent Legislative Efforts
In recent years, lawmakers have made multiple attempts to legalize sports betting in Missouri. Bill 824 and Senate Bill 852 were introduced in 2024. These bills seek to legalize online betting and establish tax rates on gambling revenue. However, as of August 2024, neither bill has passed into law.
Comparison with Neighboring States
Missouri’s stance on sports betting contrasts sharply with its neighbors. Kansas and Illinois have fully embraced legal sports betting:
Kansas
Kansas legalized sports betting in 2022. The state now operates six online sportsbooks, providing a convenient option for Missouri residents near the border.
Illinois
Illinois launched legal sports gambling in 2020. The state hosts seven online sportsbooks and has generated significant revenue since legalization.
This disparity has led to a phenomenon known as “border bleeding,” where Missouri residents cross state lines to place bets. By crossing the river, Missourians can escape the geofencing that prevents them from placing bets via mobile sports-wagering apps in their state.
Risks of Illegal Betting
While sports gambling remains illegal in Missouri, the landscape continues to evolve rapidly. The ongoing legislative efforts and public interest suggest that change may occur soon. However, until new laws pass, Missouri residents should know that using offshore or unregulated betting platforms carries significant legal and financial risks.
As we move forward, it’s important to understand the impact of illegal sports betting on Missouri’s economy and its citizens. Let’s examine the consequences of the current situation and the potential benefits of legalization.
The Hidden Costs of Illegal Sports Gambling in Missouri
Economic Impact on the State
Missouri’s decision to maintain the illegal status of sports betting costs the state millions in potential revenue. The American Gaming Association reports that combined revenue from casino slots, table games, and retail sports betting increased by 3.5 percent year-over-year, reaching $4.32 billion. This money could fund essential services in Missouri (such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare).
The lack of legal options drives Missouri bettors to neighboring states. Sports betting is currently illegal in Missouri, along with several other states including Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and others. This situation represents a significant loss of economic activity for Missouri.
Risks of Unregulated Sports Gambling Apps
In the absence of legal options, many Missourians turn to offshore or unregulated betting platforms. These platforms operate outside U.S. jurisdiction, which leaves bettors vulnerable to fraud and unfair practices. Users have no guarantee that these sites will pay out winnings or protect their personal and financial information.
Moreover, the use of these platforms is illegal. Bettors risk legal consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges. The lack of oversight also means there’s no way to ensure the integrity of the games or prevent match-fixing, which further compromises the fairness of sports competitions.
Absence of Consumer Protections
The most concerning aspect of illegal sports betting is the complete absence of consumer protections and responsible gambling measures. Legal sportsbooks must implement safeguards such as self-exclusion programs, betting limits, and resources for problem gambling.
Without these protections, vulnerable individuals face a higher risk of developing gambling addictions. The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling provides resources, but their reach remains limited without the cooperation of legal betting platforms.
The current situation in Missouri cannot continue indefinitely. It deprives the state of valuable revenue, exposes residents to unnecessary risks, and fails to provide essential protections for those who need them most. As we examine the potential benefits of legalization in the next section, we’ll see how these issues could be addressed through proper regulation and oversight.
How Legal Sports Gambling Apps Would Benefit Missouri
Economic Boost for Missouri
The legalization of sports betting could increase tax revenue for Missouri significantly. Commercial gaming revenue has surpassed last year’s record-setting pace by 7.1 percent, totaling $29.75 billion through May for the first five months of 2024. This influx of funds could support essential services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Illinois, a neighboring state, reported $779 million in sports betting revenue in 2022, resulting in $132 million in tax revenue. Missouri could potentially see similar figures, which would provide a much-needed boost to state coffers.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Legal sports betting would likely create numerous job opportunities in Missouri. These jobs would span various sectors, including technology, customer service, marketing, and compliance. New Jersey, for example, created over 3,300 new jobs in its first year after legalizing sports betting in 2018.
The sports betting industry could also stimulate local economies. Casinos and other betting establishments often become entertainment hubs, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses (such as restaurants and hotels).
Enhanced Fan Engagement and Sports Integrity
Legal sports betting could lead to increased fan engagement with sports. The American Gaming Association found that sports bettors watch live sports events more often, which could potentially boost viewership for local teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals.
Legalization would bring betting activities into a regulated environment. This oversight would help maintain sports integrity by detecting and preventing suspicious betting patterns that could indicate match-fixing or other fraudulent activities.
Consumer Protection and Responsible Gambling
Legalizing sports betting would allow for the implementation of consumer protection measures. Legal sportsbooks must implement safeguards such as self-exclusion programs, betting limits, and resources for problem gambling. These protections are absent in the current illegal betting market, leaving vulnerable individuals at risk.
The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling could expand its reach and effectiveness with the cooperation of legal betting platforms, providing better support for those who need it most. Studies indicate that 95 percent of Missouri residents who purchase lottery tickets or visit riverboat casinos or bingo parlors understand the costs and risks associated with gambling.
Final Thoughts
Sports betting apps remain illegal in Missouri, but the landscape evolves rapidly. Bill 824 and Senate Bill 852 in 2024 signal growing momentum towards legalization, reflecting changing attitudes of lawmakers and citizens. The potential benefits of legalizing sports betting apps in Missouri include increased tax revenue, job creation, and enhanced consumer protections.
The timeline for legalization remains uncertain, with the 2025 legislative session potentially paving the way for legal sports betting apps in Missouri. Citizens interested in supporting or opposing sports betting legislation should engage with local representatives through town halls, letters, or phone calls. Staying informed about upcoming bills and potential ballot initiatives allows for more effective civic participation.
At LaSalle for MO7, we address issues that matter most to our community. Sports betting legislation exemplifies the need for thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership in Missouri. To learn more about our approach to creating a safer, more prosperous, and equitable community, visit my website or Facebook on my priorities and how you can get involved.
Missouri’s Republican Supermajority and Joey’s Role
Missouri’s Republican supermajority has a significant influence on legislative decisions and resource allocation. Joey LaSalle can effectively work within this supermajority to advocate for the needs of the district. His ability to navigate this political landscape is crucial for addressing community concerns and implementing necessary changes.
To explore how the supermajority impacts state policies, check out the Missouri Senate District Map 2024 and information on Missouri State Senators 2024.
Call to Action:
Joey LaSalle’s comprehensive approach to tackling crime, boosting the economy, creating jobs, and improving community resources, education, health services, and infrastructure makes him the ideal candidate for Missouri State Senate, District 7. Kansas City has been misrepresented in Jefferson City for too long, and it’s time for effective leadership that understands the needs of our community. Joey is committed to lowering taxes and ensuring affordable housing, making him the only Republican candidate who will truly represent Kansas City and Grandview in a supermajority Republican state. Joey isn’t just another politician—he’s a problem solver who puts people first, not personal gain.
To learn more about Joey’s detailed plans for Missouri’s 7th District, visit joe4mo7.com. For an overview of his stance and how he compares to other candidates, check out this article at Missouri Senate District 7 | KC Voter Guide 2024. You can also find more information about his campaign and political views on Ballotpedia and his profile on Lyke. Joey stands alongside Tracey Chappell for prosecutor in Jackson County, the only candidate with the experience to address our community’s challenges. Discover more about her at chappell4prosecutor.com.
We also support Republican Derron Black’s efforts in District 9. Like us, Derron is dedicated to genuine leadership that prioritizes the community over political ambitions. Learn about his values at dblackformo.org.
For a brighter future in Kansas City and Grandview, elect Joey LaSalle, the candidate ready to make real change. Follow Joey on Facebook at facebook.com/Joe4MO7 and Twitter at @Joe4Mo7 and explore his priorities at joe4mo7.com. Together, let’s bring the leadership Kansas City deserves to Jefferson City.