Missouri Sports Betting Ballot Initiative Receives Official Approval

The Show-Me State may soon join the ranks of states to legalize sports betting.

The Missouri Secretary of State has approved a signature-gathering effort to get the topic of sports betting on the November ballot. The effort was primarily funded by DraftKings and FanDuel, supported by Missouri’s pro sports franchises. 

Sports betting proponents organized under the Winning for Missouri Education group, proposing the ballot initiative effort after years of deadlock in the state legislature. A select group had been standing in the way of legalization, trying to add their own interests to any proposed bills. After years of failed attempts, several groups decided to take matters into their own hands.

“Missouri is now just one step away from joining most other states in legalizing sports betting and being able to provide millions of dollars to Missouri classrooms,” Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said in a press release. “On behalf of all six of Missouri’s professional sports teams, I would like to thank everyone who signed a petition to get this on the ballot. A vote for Amendment 2 in November is the right thing to do for both Missouri public schools and our favorite sports teams.”

If the proposal is approved by voters, the industry could launch as soon as 2025.

Legalization Far From a Certainty

While support for legal sports betting has been vital in the state over the years, the industry has come under fire lately. Issues with betting scandals and spikes in addictions have led to lawmakers calling for increased regulations. That could lead voters to hold off on supporting the industry until these issues have effective solutions.

Supporters of sports betting have overcome those concerns by pointing out that many residents are likely already betting on sports. Neighboring Arkansas, Kansas, and Illinois all have legalized the industry, giving bettors several options to place legal bets. A legal market would allow Missouri to keep that money in-state to fund public schools while also funding better programs for problem gambling.

Current polls show mixed results for the initiative, making its future uncertain as November inches closer.