FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 31

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE GRILL.

1811L.01I

            Whereas, since January 1, 1993, the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Promotion Act, 28 U.S.C. Section 3701 et seq., has prohibited states and local governments from authorizing sports wagering; and

            Whereas, under the terms of the federal law, Nevada is the only state where sports wagering is legally permitted, and this activity has resulted in great direct and indirect revenues to Nevada's economy; and

            Whereas, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, a Super Bowl-record $94.5 million was legally wagered in Nevada on the 2006 Super Bowl, approximately $93 million was wagered on the 2007 Super Bowl, and approximately $92.1 million was wagered on the 2008 Super Bowl; and

            Whereas, the record-setting 2006 Super Bowl weekend generated about $102.4 million in nongaming economic impact as the game attracted 285,000 visitors to Las Vegas; and

            Whereas, it is estimated that Nevada's legal sports wagering represents less than 1% of all sports wagering nationwide; and

            Whereas, according to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, illegal sports wagering amounts to approximately $380 billion each year; and

            Whereas, the federal sports wagering ban is not effective in curbing illegal sports gambling, so that lifting the ban on sports wagering would allow state gaming enforcement agencies to properly regulate and police this activity; and

            Whereas, the State of Missouri would benefit significantly from an end to the federal ban, as sports wagering in this state would be subject to the existing gambling taxes in Missouri, thereby generating more income for the State of Missouri; and

             Whereas, the legalization of sports wagering would enhance Missouri as a gaming and tourism destination:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fifth General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Congress to remove the federal ban on sports wagering; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Congress and to each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.

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