As a Missouri sports betting bill waits for House floor action and a likely doomed Senate fate, a ballot initiative is forging ahead.
Winning for Missouri Education announced Tuesday it surpassed 100,000 signatures for its Missouri sports betting ballot initiative petition. The group needs to turn in more than 170,000 valid signatures to the Secretary of State by May 5.
The campaign plans to collect approximately 300,000 signatures.
“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,” campaign spokesman Jack Cardetti said. “It’s not only good for our economy but will support our teachers and future generations of Missourians for years to come.”
Missouri sports betting legislation issues
Missouri professional sports teams launched the ballot initiative as sports betting legislation has failed in the previous two sessions.
Another effort will likely make it through the House again this year. However, it will meet Sen. Denny Hoskins, who has killed the legislation the past two years and again pledges to be an “obstructionist.”
Hoskins wants to include video lottery terminals in sports betting legislation. There is little appetite for that inclusion amongst other legislators.
Where is the House bill?
As of Tuesday, House Bill 2331 remains on the House Calendar as an informal item for perfection.
The chamber could perfect the bill, and set it up for third reading and passage at any floor session.
Sponsor Rep. Dan Houx told LSR he expects that vote shortly.
Missouri sports betting support
Earlier this month, Winning For Missouri Education shared a poll by Fox 4 and Emerson College that found 62% of Missouri residents favor sports betting if it helps fund education.
FanDuel and DraftKings donated $2 million to the ballot effort last month.
Over Super Bowl weekend, GeoComply reported approximately 431,000 residents attempted to access sportsbooks in neighboring states. That is a 51% increase compared to 2023.
Missouri ballot sportsbook proposal
If the initiative is successful, Missouri voters will weigh in on the issue in November.
The ballot proposal would create online and in-person sportsbooks for the state’s 13 casinos and six professional sports teams.
The Missouri Gaming Commission also could award two independent licenses. The state would tax sports betting revenue at 10%.
