Missouri Voters Divided on Sports Betting Legalization in 2024

legalizing sports betting through Amendment 2, a ballot measure that could have a significant impact on the state’s economy and education funding. The proposal seeks to regulate and allow sports wagering, both online and in designated sports betting districts within the state.

Increasing for Sports Betting

According to recent polling data from Emerson College Polling and The Hill, there is growing among Missouri voters for the legalization of sports betting. The poll, conducted between September 12-13, surveyed 850 likely voters and revealed that men are more likely to the sports gambling measure than women, with 59% of men and 46% of women in favor. The for sports betting is strongest among younger voters, particularly those aged 30 to 39, where 68.4% the measure. However, declines among older demographics, with voters aged 60 and older showing less than 50% in favor of the initiative.

Amendment 2 proposes a framework for sports betting that includes a 10% tax on revenues, with part of the proceeds allocated to Missouri’s education system. The Missouri Gaming Commission would regulate licensed sports wagering activities, including online platforms, professional sports districts, and gambling boats. Only individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21 would be permitted to participate.

Financial Impact and Regulatory Measures

The financial implications of legalizing sports betting are significant. The amendment includes provisions for a $500,000 license application fee and five-year renewal fees, with at least $5 million annually from these fees and taxes directed to problem gambling programs. The remainder of the revenue would go toward elementary, secondary, and higher education in the state.

Several neighboring states, such as Illinois, Arkansas, and Kansas, have already legalized sports betting, creating a competitive landscape in the region. Missouri risks losing potential revenue as residents cross state borders to place bets in these states. Proponents of Amendment 2 argue that by legalizing and regulating sports betting, Missouri could recapture this lost revenue and use it to improve the state’s education system.

Jack Cardetti, a spokesman for Winning Missouri Education, which s the measure, emphasizes the economic benefits of ing the amendment: “Missouri is one of only about a dozen states that hasn’t legalized sports betting. And that means we lose out on millions of dollars that could be going to our classrooms, and millions of dollars of economic opportunity. So if this ballot initiative es, Missourians will be able to place sports bets in a responsible, regulated manner.”

Opposition to the Amendment

Despite the growing for sports betting, not everyone in Missouri is on board with the initiative. State Senator Denny Hoskins has voiced concerns about the potential impact of the amendment. While he is not against putting the question to voters, he believes the current ballot language may not best serve the interests of Missouri residents. He argues that the tax rate proposed in the amendment is too low and that the fees for problem gambling prevention are insufficient.

“I’ve consistently said that the ballot language that they are using, I don’t believe best serves the people of Missouri. Number one, the tax rate is very low. The fees are very low. There’s not enough money in there for problem compulsive gambling, which is going to be caused by legalization of sports betting here in the state,” said Hoskins. He also points out that casinos in Missouri stand to profit significantly if the measure es, estimating that each casino could see a net increase of $25 million annually.

Source:

Majority s abortion access, sports betting: Missouri poll, fox2now.com, September 17, 2024.