Missouri Hits 300,000 Signatures for Sports Betting Initiative

The demand for a legal sports betting app platform in Missouri is gaining momentum among residents.

Lawmakers in the Show-Me State have not shown the same urgency when it comes to advancing sports betting legislation. Despite numerous failed efforts, the state’s sports teams and other supporters have taken matters into their own hands.

The Winning for Missouri Education campaign, a group advocating for legal mobile and retail sports betting in the state, revealed on Wednesday that they have collected 300,000 signatures in favor of a legalized platform.

The campaign is seeking signatures from volunteers who are willing to lend their support by May 5. The goal is to reach 325,000 signatures by that date.

The number of signatures far exceeds the required 180,000 needed to include the question on the 2024 election ballot.

Overwhelming support

Numerous pro sports teams in Missouri have expressed strong support for a legal sports betting platform in the state.

Leading the charge for Missouri Education are some of the state’s top sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Current, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and City SC.

The teams seem to be positively influencing the promotion of a potential legal sports betting platform for the state’s residents.

In a press release, Winning for Missouri Education spokesperson Jack Cardetti expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support across the state, highlighting the willingness of Missourians to bring sports betting revenue back home to benefit local schools, students, and teachers.

As we near our goal of getting this on the November ballot, Missouri is one step closer to legalizing sports betting for adults and bringing in millions of dollars in annual funding for our schools.

Polling supports the Winning for Missouri Education

The news of a potential Missouri sports betting launch has sparked a series of polls seeking the opinions of Missouri residents on the matter. The most recent poll was conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov in March.

Out of the 900 residents surveyed, 60% are in favor of a legal sports betting platform in Missouri, compared to 25% who are against it. Among those aged 18-29, 76% support legal sports betting, while 45% of respondents aged 65 and older also expressed their support for legal sports wagering in the state.

The data from Saint Louis University and YouGov is based on a FOX4 poll conducted in January, which showed that 62% of respondents were in favor of legal sports betting in the state. The poll also revealed that 69% of males and 57% of females believed that using the platform to support educational programs was acceptable.

In February, 62% of respondents polled at Emerson College expressed support for the legalization of sports betting in Missouri.

The plan

If a Missouri sports betting platform is approved, all of the previously mentioned Missouri sports teams will have the opportunity to obtain a sports wagering license. Additionally, the 13 state casinos will be eligible to offer sports betting services within the state.

The proposed platform will be subject to a 10% tax, with all proceeds from sports betting designated for educational programs in the state. It is anticipated that tax revenue will reach approximately $6.2 million in the inaugural year and could potentially increase to $26.7 million by the fourth year.

The Missouri Gaming Commission would oversee regulation under the proposed plan.

What is on the line?

Missouri residents have the opportunity to vote on a potential constitutional amendment on the November 5 election ballot.

Lawmakers in Missouri have been unable to come to a consensus on a legal sports betting platform. As a result, it is anticipated that the state’s sports teams may take the issue of legal sports betting to the voters in the 2024 election.

After the people have voiced their opinions, it is expected that lawmakers will be compelled to take action.