Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
- Missourians will soon know if they have a chance to decide the state’s sports betting fate in November
- The Missouri Secretary of State’s office recently received a ballot petition signature report for the state’s sports betting referendum
- The office has until Aug. 13 to validate the necessary signatures to put the referendum on the upcoming November ballot
The countdown is on to determine if Missourians will have the opportunity to decide the state’s sports betting fate at the polls in November.
The Missouri Secretary of State’s office recently received the petition signature report for the Winning for Missouri Education’s campaign to place a sports betting referendum on the state’s November general election ballot.
The office will have until Aug. 13 to validate the necessary 170,000 signatures to place the referendum on the ballot.
Will Missourians See a Question at the Polls?
the Winning for Missouri Education coalition recently submitted more than 340,000 signatures to place a sports betting question on the state’s November general election ballot. The St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis CITY SC, and the Kansas City Current are supporting the sports betting initiative in the state.
If the necessary signatures are validated, voters will see a sports betting question on the upcoming November ballot, which will have to be approved by a majority vote. It’s likely the only chance Missouri has to see legalized sports betting, as legislative efforts have stalled out for the last three years.
If legalized, sports betting would be taxed at a rate of 10% and would directly support Missouri public education.
According to the initiative, each Missouri sports team and casino will be eligible to operate retail and online sports betting. Each sports team and casino would be eligible for one retail sports betting license through the bill. Additionally, each sports team and casino would be eligible for one online sports betting license. Each team and casino would be able to partner with one online sports betting operator.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel have supported the campaign through $6.5 million in total donations.
Public Polling is Split
Recent polling from Emerson College shows Missouri voters are split on the potential legalization of sports betting, as 38% of respondents reported they would vote to legalize sports betting while 35% would vote against it. However, 26% of respondents are not sure how they would vote at this time.
Emerson College Polling/The Hill conducted a survey of 1,000 registered voters from June 17 to 19.
Also of note, Steve Ruddock, who writes Straight to the Point, a daily newsletter on the sports betting industry, reported today that he’s “hearing rumors that a powerful opponent (powerful enough to kill the initiative at the ballot box) could emerge.”
Let’s see if this becomes a reality.
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
Missouri residents and sports enthusiasts alike have an important date approaching that could have a significant impact on the future of sports betting in the state. On November 3rd, 2020, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a referendum that could legalize sports betting in Missouri.
The referendum, known as Amendment 3, would allow for the regulation and taxation of sports betting in the state. If passed, Missouri would join a growing number of states that have already legalized sports betting following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting in 2018.
Proponents of the referendum argue that legalizing sports betting would generate much-needed revenue for the state, create jobs, and provide a safe and regulated environment for sports bettors. They also point to the success of neighboring states like Illinois and Iowa, which have already legalized sports betting and seen a significant increase in tax revenue as a result.
Opponents of the referendum, however, raise concerns about the potential negative impacts of legalizing sports betting, such as increased problem gambling and addiction. They also argue that the revenue generated from sports betting may not be as significant as supporters claim.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is important for Missouri residents to educate themselves on the referendum and make an informed decision when they head to the polls on November 3rd. The outcome of this referendum could have far-reaching implications for the future of sports betting in Missouri, so be sure to stay informed and make your voice heard on this important issue.
