Missouri Sports Betting: Professional Teams Join Forces for Legalization
Date: 2023-11-22 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: SPORTS BETTING, EVENTS
Coalition Pushes for Legalization: Despite previous legislative setbacks, a coalition of professional sports teams in Missouri is spearheading efforts to legalize sports betting. St. Louis City, St. Louis Blues, and St. Louis Cardinals are among the key advocates leading the charge.
Ballot Questions: The coalition has proposed eight ballot questions to gauge public opinion on legalizing retail and mobile sports wagering. Additionally, a 10% betting tax is suggested, with an expected $29 million revenue earmarked for education. A $5 million problem gambling fund is also part of the proposed plan.
Opposition Perspective: A report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reveals dissenting voices. According to a Remington Research Group survey, 54% of likely voters oppose sports betting legalization, while only 26% are in favor. The remaining 20% remain undecided.
Hurdles to Clear: The path to legalization involves selecting one question from the proposed eight for the ballot. However, supporters must gather at least 170,000 signatures across the state. The president of the Cardinals, Bill DeWitt III, acknowledges the challenges, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations.
Next Steps: The coalition plans to engage with the gambling sector and discuss the proposed legalization. Following this, they will strategize on collecting the required signatures. Bill DeWitt III expresses optimism about legislative action but remains grounded in his outlook.
National Context: Missouri's efforts come amid a nationwide trend of states legalizing sports betting. According to the American Gaming Association, 37 states and Washington DC have embraced sports betting, leaving fewer than a dozen states yet to follow suit.
