St. Louis, MO (KMOX) - On November 5th, Missouri voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution and legalize sports wagering.
It's an issue that's been debated multiple years in the legislature. Missouri is one of the few states where sports betting remains illegal. In January, Missouri's professional sports teams launched a petition drive to get the question before voters.
Here's the official ballot title posted on the Missouri Secretary of State website:
Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:
• allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering including online sports betting, gambling boats, professional sports betting districts and mobile licenses to sports betting operators;
• restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21;
• allow license fees prescribed by the Commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses incurred by the Commission and required funding of the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund; and
• allow for the general assembly to enact laws consistent with this amendment?
State governmental entities estimate onetime costs of $660,000, ongoing annual costs of at least $5.2 million, and initial license fee revenue of $11.75 million. Because the proposal allows for deductions against sports gaming revenues, they estimate unknown tax revenue ranging from $0 to $28.9 million annually. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.The current debate between supporters and opponents is not a moral one about gambling or concerns about gambling addiction. Opponents say they're concerned about promises of education funding for Missouri schools.
2024 Ballot Measures on Missouri Secretary of State Website
If approved, Amendment 2 would allow for wagering on both professional and college sports, with some stipulations.
KMOX News spoke with supporters and opponents on Total Information AM.
Arguments for Amendment 2 legalizing sports betting
Jack Cardetti is with Winning for Missouri Education the organization leading the campaign in support of the initiative. Cardetti's arguments for allowing sports betting in Missouri include:
- the state has failed to cash in on revenues from sports betting, compared to neighboring Illinois and other nearby states
- the amendment provides a means to fund education through sports wagering
- would be regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission
- would require a minimum of $5 million a year be invested in a problem gaming campaign
- says money has to go to education, including licensing fees that would generate millions of dollars
- says the money would be separate from the state's foundation formula for funding education
The effort to legalize sports betting in Missouri has benefited from at least $20 million in funding from out-of-state groups, including from Betfair, a New Jersey based online sports betting provider. When asked about outside money and influence, Cardetti pointed to initial support from Missouri's six professional sports teams as well as support from both Gubernatorial candidates.
Listen now: Sports betting campaign "Winning for Missouri Education"
Arguments against Amendment 2 legalizing sports betting
Brooke Foster is with Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, the organization opposing Amendment 2. Foster points out the group is not opposed to gambling on its face. Foster's arguments against legalizing sports betting:
- says the measure is deceptive in its claim that it will boost education funding
- cites a State Auditor report that estimates of revenue that would go to education could range from $0 to $28.9 million annually, "because the proposal allows for deductions against sports gaming revenues"
- says it would line the pockets of out of state gaming corporations but not provide much benefit to Missouri
- says if it passes, would be enshrined in constitution and would be difficult to undo
The campaign to fight Amendment 2 has financial support from several casinos in the state including Harrah's, Isle of Capri, and Tropicana. When asked about money from the casinos in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Boonville generate income for the state, contending the sports betting amendment would extract money from the state.
Listen now: Amendment 2 opponent "Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment"
The latest SLU/YouGov public opinion poll shows 50% of likely Missouri voters support Amendment 2 legalizing sports wagering in the state. That polling shows more support in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas than in rural areas of the state. Younger voters favor the amendment more than older voters.
CLICK HERE to read more about the SLU/YouGov poll on sports issues
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