It appears that people in Missouri who were hoping to be able to bet on college and professional sports in the state this year will have to wait a little longer.
Members of the State House of Representatives approved a bill in March that would allow anyone in the state 21 or older to wager on college and pro sports online, inside sports venues or at casinos. However on the Senate side, lawmakers are hung up on what to do about virtual slot machines. Kansas City's FOX affiliate covered the debate over the machines more in-depth.
If sports betting is to become legal in Missouri, lawmakers would have to approve the legislation and have it to Gov. Mike Parson's desk no later than 6 p.m. CDT on May 13. Denny Hoskins, a Republican from Warrensburg who supports legalized betting, doesn't see that happening.
"I'm always optimistic and try to be optimistic, but I think the chances are pretty slim right now."
It's estimated that the state would make more than $10 million annually from sports betting. Neighboring states, Illinois, Iowa and Arkansas each already have legal sports betting. Recently Kansas lawmakers passed legislation there that will legalize it.
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