Sports betting could be in trouble if the results of a recent poll are indicative of all Missouri voters.
Only 36% of respondents in a poll conducted May 8-9 supported sports betting legalization in the Show Me State, while 60% were against it. Just 4% in the survey of 684 likely Missouri voters remain undecided.
The results sharply contrast with earlier polls that showed significant support for Missouri sports betting. It means the work by proponents is far from over.
Previous polls showed support for sports betting
The poll was conducted by the Remington Research Group for Missouri Scout, a subscription-based news service covering state politics.
In February, the results of a poll conducted by Emerson College and Kansas City’s FOX4 showed that a significant majority of Missouri voters, 62%, favored legalizing sports betting. The poll surveyed 1,830 registered voters: “Do you support legalizing sports betting to help fund education?”
Another February poll from Saint Louis University and YouGov surveyed 900 residents, asking: “Should betting on collegiate sports be legal in Missouri?”
The results showed that 60% of likely voters, especially the younger demographic, were in favor of legalizing sports betting. In the 18-29 age demographic, 76% supported legalization compared to only 45% of those 65 and older.
Furthermore, the results of the new poll don’t reflect Missourians’ known desire to bet on sports. GeoComply blocked 24.5 million attempted Missouri sports bets in 2023. Several million attempts were also blocked this year on the Super Bowl.
Ballot measure is the last resort for 2024
Four sports betting bills died in this year’s legislative session, which ended on May 17. The only hope for sports betting to be legalized in Missouri this year is for voters to approve a referendum in November.
The initiative, backed by Missouri’s professional sports teams, seeks to legalize online and retail sports betting, with tax revenue going to education programs and services in the state.
The campaign collected nearly double the required signatures from registered voters in Missouri to get on the ballot. It is expected to gain certification from the Secretary of State’s Office in late summer.
