Sports Betting Legislation Hits Familiar Roadblock in Missouri Senate

Senators and gambling industry lobbyists worked to find a resolution for SB 30 while debating the bill until adjourning just before 8 p.m.

Sen. Karla May said of the debate:

Senate President Caleb Rowden said that the Senate’s inability to reach an agreement was “embarrassing.”

“I’m ready to get sports betting done. I don’t think this is a partisan issue. We’ve just kind of been spinning our wheels.”

As Wednesday’s debate took place, Republican Governor Mike Parson had scheduled meetings with Kansas City Royals officials, who, like the St. Louis Cardinals, are in favor of the initiative.

The latest bump on the road to the legalization of sports betting in Missouri comes following the House of Representatives giving its approval to legislation just a couple of weeks ago. This is a similar scenario to one that played out in the previous legislative session when the House approved sports betting but the Senate failed to approve legislation due to conflict over video gambling machines.

Jenny Tang

An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.