With Missouri sports betting set to be decided by voters this November, a leading sportsbook is significantly boosting the campaign’s funds.
Shortly after the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office confirmed the sports betting ballot initiative for November, DraftKings, a top-rated sportsbook in the region, made a substantial contribution of $3.5 million to the Winning for Missouri Education campaign fund, as reported by the Missouri Ethics Commission on Friday.
DraftKings and FanDuel have now poured over $10 million into supporting the ballot initiative.
FanDuel Also Showing Strong Support in Missouri
The Missouri Ethics Commission reports that DraftKings has made six donations to the campaign since the start of 2024. The sports betting giant has contributed nearly $6 million this year, highlighting its keen interest in entering the Missouri market. FanDuel also strongly supports the Winning for Missouri Education campaign, donating over $4 million since January.
The NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, along with other professional sports teams in Missouri, support the initiative. These franchises often highlight the potential for increased fan engagement as a key reason for advocating the legalization of sports betting in the state.
Not Just Sports Teams Supporting Sports Betting in Missouri
In May, the sports teams and the casino industry rallied supporters to gather over 340,000 signatures for the sports betting measure. Election officials have now verified enough signatures, ensuring that legalized sports betting will appear on the November ballot.
Tax Money to Support Schools If Passed
If the ballot measure passes, the Missouri Gaming Commission will regulate sports betting. Operators will face a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue, with the tax revenue benefiting the state’s education initiatives. Additionally, $5 million will be allocated to a fund for preventing compulsive gambling. The remaining revenue will be directed to public schools and higher education, aligning with the coalition’s mission.
If approved by voters, state regulators must launch sports betting no later than December 1, 2025.
Recent Polls Show Initiative May Not Pass in November
In mid-June, an Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey revealed that 38% of respondents supported legalizing sports wagering, while 35% opposed it, and the rest were undecided. The survey gathered responses from 1,000 registered voters in Missouri.
Two other polls on the topic showed vastly different results. A February poll by St. Louis University and YouGov found 60% support for legal sports betting, whereas a May poll by Remington Research Group indicated that 60% of respondents were against it.
A Lot Will Happen Between Now and November
Previous polls told a different story. Surveys published in February and March by Emerson College, Saint Louis University, and YouGov, found more than 60% of Missourians supporting the sports betting initiative. With a close vote expected in November, anything can happen.
Jack Cardetti, a spokesperson for the campaign, emphasized the importance of educating the public. “Now that we are officially on the ballot, we’ll be over the next two and a half months talking to Missourians across the state about why it makes sense to set up a legal sports betting framework that helps public education,” Cardetti said.
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