- Candidates Crystal Quade (D) and Mike Kehoe (R) both support legalized sports betting
- Both candidates expressed their support for the constitutional amendment during the last governor debate
- Voters will determine Missouri sports betting during the Nov. 5 general election.
Whomever Missourians elect as their next governor will have the back of legalized sports betting.
According to the Springfield News-Leader, both major candidates in the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election support the legalization of Missouri sports betting.
Despite being on opposite parties, candidates Crystal Quade (D) and Mike Kehoe (R) both expressed their support of legalized sports betting for Missouri during the most recent round of debates.
Needed Revenue for Missouri
Both candidates, plus Libertarian candidate Bill Slantz, noted their support for Constitutional Amendment 2, the legalization of sports betting in the Show-Me State. Quade and Kehoe both noted Missouri is losing out on revenue to neighboring states without legalized sports betting.
Slantz supported the amendment, but also expressed his desire to keep regulations down for sports betting.
Green Party candidate Paul Lehman did not support the measure.
Winning for Missouri Education a campaign backing the sports betting ballot initiative, applauded the candidates for their support of legalized sports betting.
“We are honored that the two leading candidates to be Missouri’s next chief executive both endorse legalizing sports betting as a new permanent, dedicated funding source for our classrooms, and plan to vote yes on Amendment 2,” said Jack Cardetti, Winning for Missouri Education spokesperson.
A recent economic study commissioned by the campaign from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming claimed that Missouri gross gaming revenue could reach nearly $560 million in total after five years of legalized sports betting. This would lead to $105 million in support of Missouri public education over the next five years, according to the study findings.
General Election Will Determine Sports Betting
Voters will decide the fate of Missouri sports betting during the Nov. 5 general election. A constitutional amendment question will appear on the ballot to potentially legalize retail and online sports betting. Under the proposed ballot initiative, the state’s casinos would receive a single online sports betting license and two untethered licenses will be available for sports betting companies to operate in Missouri.
Each Missouri sports team and casino would be eligible to operate retail and online sports betting. Each 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.
The ballot initiative needs a simple majority to be passed. If approved, Missouri would likely launch sports betting in mid-t0-late 2025.
In a recent development in Missouri politics, gubernatorial candidates from both major parties have expressed their support for legalizing sports betting in the state. This comes as a response to the growing trend of states across the country legalizing sports betting following a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018.
The candidates have cited several reasons for their support of legalizing sports betting in Missouri. One of the main arguments is the potential economic benefits that could come from regulating and taxing the industry. By legalizing sports betting, the state could generate significant revenue that could be used to fund important programs and services.
Additionally, supporters of legalizing sports betting argue that it would help to bring the industry out of the shadows and into a regulated market. This would provide better consumer protections and help to combat illegal gambling activities.
On the other hand, opponents of legalizing sports betting have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts that it could have on society. They argue that legalizing sports betting could lead to an increase in problem gambling and addiction, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Despite these concerns, the momentum for legalizing sports betting in Missouri appears to be growing. With gubernatorial candidates from both major parties expressing their support, it is likely that the issue will continue to be a topic of discussion leading up to the election.
Overall, the debate over legalizing sports betting in Missouri is complex and multifaceted. While there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue, it will ultimately be up to voters to decide whether or not they believe that legalizing sports betting is in the best interest of the state.
