A proposal to authorize sports wagering across Missouri has been presented to the Secretary of State, bearing over 340,000 signatures.
The proposal, spearheaded by the “Victory for Missouri Education” group, is led by six professional sports teams in Missouri. The group seeks to permit sports gambling in the state.
The proposal required 180,000 verified signatures to reach the November ballot. It significantly surpassed that target before the May 5 deadline and also exceeded the 325,000 goal set in April.
The initiative would circumvent the state legislature, which has encountered years of delays in allowing Missouri to join neighboring states like Kansas and Kentucky in authorizing online gambling. Seven of Missouri’s eight bordering states currently offer sports betting.
“We are thankful for the support of Missouri’s professional sports teams, who have been instrumental in providing Missourians the chance to directly vote on this matter in November,” said campaign spokesperson Jack Cadetti.
The proposal aims to finance Missouri education.
Missouri is one of the few states in the Midwest that does not currently have legal sports wagering.
Consequently, Missouri has missed out on a substantial amount of state income, with citizens either wagering with out-of-state operators or traveling to neighboring states to place bets.
“Victory for Missouri Education” cited data from GeoComply in its petition submission. GeoComply indicated that during Super Bowl weekend, an estimated 431,000 Missouri residents attempted to place bets but were unsuccessful.
The “Victory for Missouri Education” group believes the initiative will curb illicit activity, enabling state revenue to be allocated for education. The group emphasizes that Missouri educators are among the lowest compensated in the United States.
“As one of only 12 states without legalized sports betting, Missouri took a significant step today to ensure that these revenues remain in Missouri to assist our communities and schools,” Caldecott added.
The subsequent step for legalized sports betting
County clerks will now verify the signatures on the petition. The Secretary of State’s office typically determines whether a campaign will proceed to the ballot around July.
The group believes the petition will facilitate “secure and legal” sports betting. The Missouri Gaming Commission will oversee sports betting in the state. The state will impose a 10% tax on sports betting, generating tens of millions of dollars for Missouri education.
The St. Louis Cardinals, a Major League Baseball team, also participated in the petition.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ leader, Bill DeWitt III, is thrilled about the introduction of legal sports wagering in Missouri.
DeWitt III stated, “The St. Louis Cardinals enthusiastically endorse this effort, which will positively impact professional sports teams in Missouri, our supporters, and Missouri’s educational institutions.”
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