Advocates have already gathered as many as 100,000 signatures for a sports betting ballot initiative. The number puts the group more than halfway to the benchmark that would get them on the ballot this fall.
The political action committee collecting signatures – Winning for Missouri Education – said its purpose is to secure legalized sports betting in the state. Tax revenue would go solely to public education funding. The petition calls for a 10% tax on sports betting activity.
The deadline for submitting signatures to the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office is May 5. If legitimate signatures reach at least 180,000, the proposal will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.
There is a clear interest in sports betting among Missouri residents
For several years, lawmakers have struggled to forge a concerted effort to legalize Missouri sports betting. The three pieces of legislation in the statehouse this year session have yet to gain traction in the Senate. Several neighboring states have legal sports betting markets, including Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.
However, it appears Missourians want the ability to bet on sports. According to a recent Emerson College poll, 62% of Missouri residents supported sports betting that will fund public schools.
GeoComply, which provides geolocation services for states to secure legal sports betting, reported earlier this month that more than 400,000 Missouri residents tried to register and place a wager on Super Bowl LVIII but were blocked.
Missouri is home to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won three of the last five Super Bowls. State residents have been unable to lawfully wager on those games, and betting has not produced tax revenue for Missouri. The state is one of the few with multiple major professional teams that does not allow sports betting.
Advocate is optimistic voters will approve sports betting measure
In a press release, Winning for Missouri Education spokesperson Jack Cardetti said that education funding is the key to getting sports betting legalized in the state.
“We are seeing strong support in the signature gathering effort because Missourians know it is time to legalize sports betting and use the funding for education. It’s not only good for our economy but will support our teachers and future generations of Missourians for years to come.”
