Missouri’s November Ballot to Feature Sports Betting Legalization

Sports betting has been a hot topic across the U.S., and Missouri is no exception. With a history of legislative failures in the state’s efforts to legalize sports wagering, Missouri voters will finally have the chance to make the decision themselves this November.

A judge’s ruling on Friday, September 6, 2024, that a sports betting ballot initiative would remain on the state’s ballot, gives voters the power to legalize both digital and retail sports betting.

The decision to legalize this activity could have far-reaching implications for Missouri’s economy. By allowing sports wagering within state borders, Missouri stands to gain significant tax revenue that could fund vital public services, including education. At the same time, legalizing betting would ensure that responsible gambling measures are enforced, protecting residents from potential harm.

Growing from Sports Teams and Residents

With from Missouri’s professional sports teams, residents are hopeful that the measure will , allowing them to place legal bets within the state. Currently, many residents must travel to neighboring states to place their bets.

Missouri finds itself surrounded by states that have already legalized sports betting, putting the state at risk of losing potential revenue as residents cross borders to gamble. Kansas have all embraced legalized sports wagering, and Missouri could follow suit this November.

Legalization Could Bring Revenue and Regulation

The initiative on the ballot proposes that the Missouri Gaming Commission regulate both online and retail sports betting. Platforms would be tethered to existing casinos and professional sports venues, ensuring that sports wagering remains under strict oversight. Importantly, the initiative also includes provisions for responsible gambling measures.

Should the initiative , at least $5 million annually from licensing feesand taxes would go toward problem gambling programs, with the remaining revenue allocated to fund elementary, secondary, and higher education. Proponents argue that legalizing sports betting in Missouri will not only generate significant revenue but also allow the state to enforce regulations that protect both bettors and the integrity of the games.

According to a poll conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov PLC, around 50% of respondents indicated they would the sports betting initiative, while 30% opposed it, and 20% were undecided.

Judge’s Ruling Clears the Way for Voters

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel R. Green issued his decision on Friday, confirming that the sports betting initiative would remain on the ballot.

The ruling came just 24 hours after a seven-hour hearing in which the plaintiffs argued that the initiative should be disqualified. Filed by political consultants, the lawsuit challenged the legitimacy of 95 signatures that were deemed necessary to qualify the measure for the ballot.

In his 12-page judgment, Judge Green wrote:

 “Lawsuits seeking to remove an initiative petition from the ballot after it has been certified as sufficient by the Secretary are highly disfavorable.”

He further emphasized that the plaintiffs had failed to present sufficient evidence to prove the signatures were invalid.

With the initiative staying on the ballot, voters will have the final say on whether sports betting should be legalized in Missouri. Amendment 2, the sports betting initiative, will be one of two gambling-related measures on the ballot. Amendment 5, if ed, would allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue an additional gambling boat license for the Lake of the Ozarks region.

Source:

“Sports betting will be on Missouri ballots this November” by Caroline Pettey and Joey Schneider, newsnationnow.com, September 8, 2024.

“Missouri wagering initiative will be on November ballot, judge rules” by Jill R. Dorson, igamingbusiness.com, September 8, 2024.