While surrounding states go all-in on sports betting, Missouri is at a legislative stalemate

During the past two legislative sessions, the Missouri House of Representatives has passed bills legalizing sports betting in the state. However, its continued failure to advance in the Senate could lead to the issue being decided by voters instead.
Most of the bills passed by Missouri lawmakers and signed into law this past legislative session went into effect on Monday, but one issue that still hasn’t made it through the Capitol is legalizing sports betting.

The Missouri House voted in the past two sessions to advance a bill that would make it legal for people in Missouri to place bets both in person at casinos and online. However, the Senate has not advanced any of the legislation.

This lack of action has led to frustration from lawmakers, casinos, sports organizations and people who now make it a habit to drive across state lines in order to place a bet.

Cameron Basden used to live in Illinois but has lived in the St. Louis area for the past few months. Basden makes his living betting on sports, so every day he drives from Missouri to Illinois to place his bets.