- A new pool published by Saint Louis University and YouGov shows Missourians supports sports betting legalization
- 60% of respondents are in favor of legalizing sports betting to fund public education
- Republicans, democrats, independents support sports betting legalization
Missourians support sports betting legalization to fund public education, according to the results of a recently released study.
According to a poll published last week by Saint Louis University and YouGov, 60% of respondents support legalized sports betting in Missouri, compared with just 25% of those surveyed who believe sports betting should remain illegal in the state.
The February poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters about their opinions regarding the 2024 election and issues facing the state and country.
Time is Right for Sports Betting
According to the poll results, 76% of young people between the age of 18 and 29 support Missouri sports betting legalization, compared with 45% of those aged 65 and older in the state.
The issue also has support across all major parties in Missouri, as 66% of democrats, 58% of republicans, and 56% of independents support sports betting legalization.
The Winning for Missouri Education campaign, which represents interests of the St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis CITY SC, and the Kansas City Current, noted that the recent poll results show the overwhelming support of Missouri voters for legalized sports betting.
“This most recent poll underscores that now is the time for Missouri to generate tens of millions in education funding each year by finally legalizing sports betting,” said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Winning for Missouri Education campaign, in a release. “Missourians want a legal, safe way to bet on sports, while also boosting our economy, and supporting Missouri students and teachers. Because of the popularity of this issue, our signature collection efforts are ahead of schedule, and we look forward to seeing this issue pass on the November ballot.”
The results of this poll are similar to those published in late January from the Kansas City Fox News affiliate, FOX4, and Emerson College. The poll surveyed 1,830 registered Missouri voters, which found that 62% of the respondents supported legalizing sports betting to help fund Missouri education.
The survey found that 69% of male voters and 57% of female voters would vote in favor of a ballot initiative to legalize Missouri sports betting.
Signature Collecting Process Underway
The Winning for Missouri Education campaign recently reported it surpassed 100,000 collected signatures to place a sports betting ballot initiative on the November general election ballot. The campaign needs to collect roughly 180,000 valid signatures to reserve a spot on the ballot.
The campaign is planning to submit more than 300,000 signatures to the Missouri Secretary of State by its May 5 deadline.
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.
Hopes for a sports betting bill to pass through the Missouri legislature have diminished year over year, reaching an all-time low in 2024. Bills have typically moved smoothly through the House over the last several years but have been blocked in the Senate.
Adding to the challenge, the Missouri Senate is mired in chaos this session which threatens to derail any slim chance a bill had at passing through the chamber this year.
A recent poll conducted in Missouri has revealed that a majority of residents in the state are in favor of legalizing sports betting. The poll, which was conducted by a reputable research firm, found that 65% of respondents support the legalization of sports betting in Missouri.
This overwhelming support for legalizing sports betting comes as no surprise, as many other states across the country have already taken steps to legalize and regulate the industry. In fact, since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, more than 20 states have legalized the activity.
Proponents of legalizing sports betting in Missouri argue that it would bring much-needed revenue to the state and create new jobs. They also point to the fact that many residents are already participating in illegal sports betting, and that regulating the industry would help protect consumers and ensure fair play.
Opponents of legalizing sports betting in Missouri, on the other hand, argue that it could lead to an increase in problem gambling and have negative social consequences. They also raise concerns about the potential for corruption and match-fixing in sports.
Despite these concerns, it seems that the majority of Missouri residents are in favor of legalizing sports betting. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers in the state will take action to legalize the activity, but with such strong public support, it seems likely that Missouri could join the growing list of states that have embraced sports betting.
