A campaign to bring sports betting to Missouri is garnering an abundance of support.
Winning for Missouri Education has secured approximately 325,000 petition signatures in support of authorizing sports betting in the Show-Me State via ballot initiative.
“The tremendous support we’ve seen throughout the state is a testament to Missourians’ readiness to bring sports betting revenue home and support our local schools, students, and teachers in the process,” said Winning for Missouri Education spokesperson Jack Cardetti. “As the campaign approaches our goal of putting this on the November ballot, Missouri is a step closer to allowing Missouri adults to bet on sports while generating tens of millions in annual funding for our classrooms.”
Winning for Missouri Education is led by six of the state’s professional sports teams, which include the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Current, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues and St. Louis SC. The coalition has been working since November 2023 to garner support in the Show-Me State for sports betting after filing several motions with the Missouri Secretary of State to land a ballot initiative this year.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft approved the motions, which seek to amend Missouri’s constitution to allow voters to decide the fate of regulated sports betting in the state.
Ashcroft required Winning for Missouri Education to collect at least 180,000 signatures by May 5 to place the issue on November’s ballot with the coalition easily surpassing that mark. In February, the group had already secured more than 100,000 signatures.
According to Emerson College and Saint Louis University polls, over 60% of Missourians support legalizing sports betting in the state. The industry, which creates an additional stream of revenue, has gained bipartisan support throughout the state.
New sports betting legislation in Missouri
In February, House Bill 2835 was introduced in Missouri as a measure that authorizes online and retail sports betting. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Crystal Quade, also proposes to legalize interactive digital games played on mechanical amusement devices.
HB 2835 sees sports betting regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission with adjusted gross receipts generated by licensed operators taxed at a 10% rate. The proceeds from sports wagering are deposited into the state treasury to support public education.
Licensed operators are required to pay an initial application fee of up to $150,000 under HB 2835 while gambling boats are required to dish out $100,000. Licenses are valid for one year with four-year renewal periods. Renewal fees can reach up to $10,000 annually.
HB 2835 has been referred to the Special Committee on Innovation and Technology for further consideration.
