The Missouri sports betting political action committee reported no new contributions in the second quarter 2024. Before this disclosure, the campaign had already raised over $6.5 million.
Winning for Missouri Education, the group behind a proposed 2024 sports betting ballot measure, received $0 in contributions between March and June. FanDuel’s parent company contributed $4 million, while DraftKings added $2 million. These two top-rated sportsbooks hope their support will pave the way for legal wagering in Missouri if voters approve a fall ballot measure.
Now, advocates await certification of the ballot measure, which is expected sometime this month. With no organized opposition, early polling suggests a close race for statewide approval.
What the Constitutional Amendment Calls For
After years of unsuccessful attempts due to internal conflicts among Senate Republicans, Missouri lawmakers are again proposing a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting. This amendment would grant betting licenses to the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Cardinals, Kansas City Current, Blues, and St. Louis City SC, as well as the state’s 13 casino operators and two online betting platforms.
The proposal includes a 10% tax on sports betting, with $5 million allocated to a fund for preventing compulsive gambling. The remaining revenue would be directed to public schools and higher education, aligning with the coalition’s mission.
If approved by voters, state regulators would have to launch sports betting no later than December 1, 2025.
Plenty of Support for Sports Betting in Missouri
In May, supporters, including the state’s major professional sports teams and the casino industry, submitted over 340,000 signatures to place the betting measure on the ballot. Missouri law requires approximately half that number for the measure to qualify for voter consideration.
Missouri’s professional sports teams also support the move. Teams in the coalition include the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Current and St. Louis City soccer teams.
A fiscal note estimates that legalized sports betting could generate up to $28.9 million in state revenue annually. A March poll by Saint Louis University and YouGov found that 60% of Missourians support legalizing sports betting. On the other hand, 25% oppose it and 14% remain undecided.
Not Everyone on Board With the Idea
Legalized sports betting has faced opposition within the Missouri General Assembly. “A small group of senators has prevented a vote,” campaign spokesperson Jack Cardetti told The Kansas City Star. “That’s why we’re taking this directly to the voters.”
Rep. Dan Houx, a Republican from Warrensburg, introduced a bill this year to legalize sports betting through the General Assembly, but it made little progress. In February, House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, expressed doubt that the bill would pass this year.
Sports betting is legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, with 30 states allowing online wagering. But if the ballot measure is approved, and the vote happens this fall, it appears that “The Show-Me State” may soon be added to the list.
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