A coalition of Missouri professional sports franchises is making a bold move to bring sports gambling to the state by submitting over 340,000 petition signatures to the secretary of state’s office. The initiative, spearheaded by the Winning for Missouri Education committee, aims to put the legalization of sports betting on the November ballot.
Despite facing opposition in the General Assembly in previous years, the teams are now taking the issue directly to the voters. The proposed measure would amend the state Constitution to allow sports wagering and grant licenses to teams, casinos, and online platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.
Representatives from various sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals, gathered outside the secretary of state’s office to show their support for the initiative. They emphasized the potential revenue generated from the gambling tax, with a projected $30 million annually earmarked for Missouri education.
While some members of the Missouri Senate have raised concerns about the impact of sports betting on compulsive gambling, neighboring states have already legalized it. The coalition argues that keeping the revenue within Missouri borders is crucial for the state’s economy.
If the signatures are verified, the measure will go to a public vote in the November election. Additionally, the General Assembly is considering changes to the approval process for constitutional amendments, potentially impacting the timeline for the sports gambling initiative.
Overall, the push for sports betting in Missouri reflects a growing trend across the country, with 38 states already legalizing some form of sports wagering. The coalition’s efforts highlight the potential benefits for education funding and fan engagement in the state.