Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
- A new poll from Emerson College shows Missouri voters are split on sports betting legalization
- 1,000 respondents participated in the university’s poll
- A coalition has submitted signatures to place a sports betting referendum on the November general election ballot
Maybe voters don’t overwhelmingly approve of the legalization of Missouri sports betting as once thought?
A new poll published by Emerson College shows Missouri voters are split on the potential legalization of sports betting. Voters may be faced with this question in November, as a state coalition of professional sports teams are trying to place a sports betting referendum on the state’s November general election ballot.
Emerson College Polling/The Hill conducted a survey of 1,000 registered voters from June 17 to 19.
Voters Narrowly Approve of Sports Betting in Poll
If sports betting were to be on the ballot in November, 38% of respondents to the poll 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.
The question could become a reality in November, as 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.
With the signature collecting process now complete, the signatures will be counted by county clerks and the Secretary of State’s Office. According to the Winning for Missouri Education coalition, state officials will let them know if the campaign is successful something around July.
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.
Respondents Want Chiefs, Royals to Stay in State
Also included in the poll was a question about how important it was to respondents that the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals remain in Missouri. The majority of participants said it was important that both stay in the state.
- 63% of voters find it important that the Chiefs stay in Missouri, 37% do not find it important
- 58% of voters find it important that the Royals stay in Missouri, 42% find it not important
It’s an interesting question to pose, as neighboring Kansas is making a push to lure both teams across the border.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) recently signed a bill, HB 2001, into law, which amends the STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bond program to potentially fund the future construction of a Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals stadium in the state.
STAR bonds are funded through future tax revenues at the stadiums, tax revenues from retailers around the stadium, and millions in sports betting and lottery revenues.
According to The Kansas City Star, representatives from both the Chiefs and Royals praised the new legislation and the options it provides.
“We support their efforts to expand the existing program and congratulate them on passing the legislation in special session. We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the Kansas City Chiefs wrote in a statement.
Two months ago Missouri voters in Jackson County rejected a 40-year, three-eighths cent sales tax proposal to keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. Both teams dedicated to remain in the state if the proposal had passed.
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.
According to a recent poll conducted by Emerson College, voters in Missouri are divided on the issue of sports betting. The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 registered voters in the state, found that 48% of respondents support legalizing sports betting, while 42% oppose it.
The issue of sports betting has been a hot topic in Missouri in recent years, with lawmakers considering legislation to legalize and regulate the industry. Proponents argue that legalizing sports betting would generate much-needed revenue for the state and create new jobs. They also point to the success of sports betting in other states, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
On the other hand, opponents of sports betting raise concerns about the potential negative impacts of gambling addiction and the integrity of sports. They argue that legalizing sports betting could lead to an increase in problem gambling and could tarnish the reputation of sports.
The Emerson College poll also found that support for sports betting varies along party lines, with 60% of Democrats in favor of legalization compared to only 36% of Republicans. Additionally, younger voters were more likely to support sports betting, with 55% of respondents aged 18-34 in favor compared to only 41% of those aged 55 and older.
Overall, the poll results suggest that there is no clear consensus among Missouri voters on the issue of sports betting. As lawmakers continue to debate the issue, it will be important for them to consider the diverse opinions of their constituents and weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing sports betting in the state.
