Missouri sports betting referendum set for November 5 ballot amid debate

Voters in Missouri will decide on the legalization of sports betting this November after a state judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the ballot process. Amendment 2, which would allow casinos and sports venues to operate in-person and online sportsbooks, is set for a public vote on November 5.

The measure, if passed, would permit two online sportsbooks to operate independently of casinos or sports venues, while taxing sportsbook operators at a rate of 10% on gross revenue.

Opposition to Amendment 2 is being led by a group called 'Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment', which argues the measure primarily benefits out-of-state corporations. Brooke Foster, a spokesperson for the group, expressed concerns about the bill’s sponsors, claiming that the referendum is tailored to benefit large corporations like DraftKings and FanDuel.

“This deceptive measure was written by and for the financial benefit of its out-of-state corporate sponsors and funders,” said Foster. “We are building a broad coalition and are prepared to wage a vigorous campaign to educate voters across the state and ensure the measure is defeated. It’s a bad deal for Missouri."

On the other side, 'Winning for Missouri Education', a political action committee advocating for the referendum, has already raised over $6.5 million. Backed by Missouri’s professional sports franchises, including the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, the group launched a campaign focusing on the potential educational benefits of legalized sports gambling.

In their first advertisement, a former first-grade teacher highlights how sports betting taxes could generate “tens of millions of dollars” annually for Missouri schools and teachers. The ad focuses on education rather than gambling, as the amendment mandates that the first $5 million or 10% of tax proceeds, whichever is greater, be allocated to combating problem gambling. The remainder would go toward K-12 public education.

While proponents tout the financial benefits for education, opponents remain unconvinced. Keith Spare, a retired addiction counselor and founder of the Midwest Consortium for Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse, warned of the social consequences of expanded gambling.

“Expanded gambling leads to more bankruptcies and even suicides, also saying the money for schools is a drop in the bucket. It’s an illusion,” Spare said. He further highlighted that 25% of Missourians either have a gambling disorder or are at risk of developing one, adding that the resources for addressing gambling addiction remain inadequate.

Critics are also concerned that the actual revenue generated for education may fall short of expectations. The referendum allows sportsbooks to deduct up to 25% of promotional credits from their taxable revenue, raising doubts about how much tax the state will ultimately collect.

Despite opposition, some supporters remain hopeful that legalized sports betting will provide a much-needed financial boost to education. “The money will support the right thing,” said Jerry Walker, a Missouri resident supporting the measure.

However, skepticism lingers. Jerry Schwartz, who supports gambling but questions the net financial benefits, stated: “There is no net increase in funding for education… It’s just a way to get people to accept it.”

With less than two months until the vote, both sides are ramping up efforts to sway voters ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched referendum.