Missouri sports betting ballot initiative surpasses signature goal amid legislative standstill

Missouri's sports betting ballot initiative reached a significant milestone as Winning For Missouri Education surpassed its initial signature goal of 300,000. The initiative aims to include a sports betting question on the November 2024 ballot, requiring over 170,000 valid signatures by May 5.

This achievement coincides with the ongoing impasse in the Missouri House, where a proposal to legalize sports betting has remained stalled. Despite passing the chamber in previous sessions, the proposal, HB 2331, faces resistance, particularly from Sen. Denny Hoskins.

The campaign, initiated by six professional sports teams in Missouri, mirrors the legislative proposal awaiting House action. It seeks to legalize sports betting under the Missouri Gaming Commission.

While already exceeding the required signatures, the campaign aims to secure 325,000 by the May 5 deadline. 

“The tremendous support we’ve seen throughout the state is a testament to Missourians’ readiness to bring sports betting revenue home and support our local schools, students and teachers in the process,” said Winning for Missouri Education spokesperson Jack Cardetti. 

“As the campaign approaches our goal of putting this on the November ballot, Missouri is a step closer to allowing Missouri adults to bet on sports while generating tens of millions in annual funding for our classrooms.”

The proposal outlines provisions for online and in-person sportsbook licenses for the state's 13 casinos and six professional sports teams, with a proposed 10% tax on sports betting revenue. The Missouri Gaming Commission could also award two independent online licenses. 

Polls conducted by Emerson College and Saint Louis University indicate strong voter support for legalizing sports betting, with over 60% of Missourians in favor of the initiative.

Despite House leadership retaining HB 2331 on the informal perfection calendar, there's no immediate push to advance the bill to the Senate. Sen. Hoskins, a vocal opponent, demands the inclusion of video lottery terminals (VLT) in the legislation, a proposition met with skepticism from other lawmakers.

In the event the ballot initiative fails, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer suggests a potential legislative pathway next year, as Sen. Hoskins concludes his final term.