Missouri Will Try Again for Sports Betting in 2023

Dan Houx is confident the Kansas City Chiefs won't leave Missouri for Kansas. Kansas launched retail and online sports betting through state-operated casinos on Sept. 1. Majority of state revenue goes into an "Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund". In neighboring Missouri, sports gambling has yet to be legalized. According to Hous, Missouri is Chiefs' territory. He estimates at least 75 percent of Missourians are Chiefs fans.

The Chiefs and other pro sports franchises in Missouri want legal sports betting in the state. The bill didn't advance last spring. It was derailed in May because lawmakers disagreed on an amendment that would have legalized up to 5,000 video lottery terminals. Last month, the bill was passed during a special tax session in Jefferson City.

The Chiefs could leave Kansas for the U.S. if they moved there.

Houx expects better results when he files a similar bill during the Missouri 2023 regular session starting Jan. 4. The tax rate is likely to be between 15 and 17 percent. It would still give pro teams and casinos online sportsbooks and casino a retail option.

Kansas sports betting revenue totaled $1.3 million in its first month. The state's share of that is about $130,000. Chiefs have good options for growth in Missouri, including expansion at the Truman Sports Complex.

The Chiefs are tied to a lease at Arrowhead Field through 2031. Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt said a renovation of Arrowheads is a possibility. Missouri Will Try Again for Sports Betting in 2023.