Missouri is one of 18 states who has not yet legalized sports betting. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting, allowing states in America to legalize that type of gambling if they want. A state House committee is reviewing a bill sponsored by Representative Dan Houx of Warrensburg that would let adults 21 and older place bets on sporting events.

Bob Priddy, a private citizen of Jefferson City, says he opposes the bill. He says it does not protect the state’s interests to provide funding that helps veterans, education and the communities where the casinos are located.