Missouri lawmakers consider sports betting

The lawmakers are expected to discuss the approval of sports betting in the state at the 2019 session.

US.- Ever since the US Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports betting states have started discussions that lead them to consider if they want to offer the modality or not. Missouri lawmakers are expected to discuss sports betting at the start of the 2019 session.

The session, which starts on Wednesday and lasts 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.”