Committee approves bill to align online sports‑wagering tax with in‑state gaming; opponents warn higher tax will raise consumer costs

House Bill 639, which aligns taxation of online sports wagering with existing rates for some in‑state gaming and dedicates revenues to specified priorities, was considered and advanced by the House Committee on Appropriations on April 28 after extensive testimony from casinos, online operators, and advocacy groups.

Sponsor Representative Reiser said the bill will make online sports wagering tax treatment consistent with other gaming activity in the state; the measure would raise the effective tax on online sports wagering to the 32.5 percent rate used for certain gaming categories, and direct new revenues to a list of priorities including early childhood, behavioral health, problem gambling treatment, equine promotion and racing purses, and disability-related programs included in the bill’s distribution schedule. The sponsor also noted…