ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri voters will vote next Tuesday to change the state's constitution and legalize sports wagering, a topic that has long been a highly debated multiple years in the Missouri state legislature.
In January, Missouri's professional sports teams launched a petition drive to get the question before voters.
If approved, Amendment 2 would allow for wagering on both professional and college sports, with some stipulations.
St. Louis Blues President Chris Zimmerman joined Chris Rongey and Amy Marxkors on 'The Chris And Amy Show' to discuss Amendment 2.
"I believe right now, we're at 38 states that have legalized sports betting, the only state (bordering Missouri) that hasn't legalized sports betting is Oklahoma, which I believe is also on that path," said Zimmermann on 'The Chris and Amy Show'.
"Missouri residents are driving across the border, betting regularly doing that or using other internet gaming sites and we believe a regulated sports betting in our state provides benefits that are going to come back to our citizens."
Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment joined KMOX's Total Information A.M. recently to discuss their issues with Amendment 2, with the group saying the measure is deceptive in its claim that it will boost education funding.
Zimmerman addressed those criticisms on 'The Chris and Amy Show'.
"I understand, if you will, some of the pushback or even skepticism at times," said Zimmermann. "I think one of the important things people need to understand is that the proceeds as directed in this amendment essentially constitutionally required to be paid to the schools."
"It's not like each year there is a appropriation or a decision that is needed to be made, the funding that will go to education is a constitutional requirement if the amendment passes."
You can listen to the player above to hear Zimmermann's full interview and conversation with 'The Chris and Amy Show' on Amendment 2 in the player above.