A new poll out shows a close vote for Missouri sports betting if the issue makes it onto November’s ballot.
A wide-ranging Emerson College/The Hill poll released late last week covers issues in the upcoming November election, including Missouri sports betting. If sports betting is on the ballot, 38% of voters are in favor of the issue and 35% would vote against it, with another 26% not sure, according to the Missouri sports betting polling.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office is verifying more than 340,000 signatures on a ballot petition circulated by Winning for Missouri Education, a coalition backed by online sportsbooks and professional sports teams. The ballot question would legalize online and in-person sports betting in Missouri with a 10% tax rate.
Missouri poll methodology
Funded by Nexstar Media, the survey of 1,000 registered Missouri voters was conducted June 17-19 over landline phones and an online panel. The data set was weighted by gender, education, race and age based on 2024 registration modeling from the US Census and Missouri Secretary of State.
Along with other political issues, the questions included how important it is the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals stay in Missouri. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly recently approved a plan to entice the teams over the border. More than 60% of respondents want to keep the Chiefs, while 58% of voters want the Royals to remain in Missouri.
In the presidential election, 53% of voters support Donald Trump, while 40% back President Joe Biden.
Previous Missouri sports betting polls
In March, a Saint Louis University and YouGov poll found 60% of voters supported legalizing sports betting to support public education.
A January poll from Emerson College reported a similar 62% in favor of sports betting. However, that poll did not have an undecided option as this month’s did.
A November 2023 Remington Research Group survey found 54% of voters against the issue, with 26% in favor.
Missouri legalization efforts
The coalition of Missouri teams started the ballot push last year after sports betting legislation faltered for a second consecutive year. The issue fell short again this year with Sen. Denny Hoskins running opposition again.
The coalition turned in more than 340,000 signatures. To qualify for the November ballot, the petition requires approximately 170,000 verified signatures.
If voters pass the issue, the state’s six professional teams and 13 casinos could operate online and in-person sportsbooks. The Missouri Gaming Commission could also issue two independent online sportsbook licenses.
