The signatures are in, but will the votes follow? Winning for Missouri Education is certainly hoping so.
The political action committee officially submitted a petition with over 340,000 signatures to the Secretary of State on Thursday, which could allow the pro-sports-backed coalition to get sports betting on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Organizers said they expect to know by July if the measure will reach voters on Election Day.
“As one of only 12 states without legalized sports betting, Missouri took a significant step forward today in ensuring that these revenues stay in Missouri to help our communities and classroom,” said spokesman Jack Cardetti. “We are grateful for the support from Missouri’s professional sports franchises, who have been crucial in creating the opportunity for Missourians to vote directly on this issue in November.”
The group only needed 180,000 signatures but announced two weeks ago that it had reached over 300,000.
The Winning for Missouri Education coalition, led by Missouri's six professional sports teams, are dropping off 340,000 signed petitions to the secretary of state’s office this afternoon in hopes of asking voters in November if sports betting should be legal. #moleg pic.twitter.com/eLkqlflOAi
— Emily Manley (@EmilyManleyTV) May 2, 2024
The overwhelming support should get the decision in front of Missouri voters in a state where legalizing gambling has been a sticking point in the legislature.
The coalition was formed in 2023 and is led by the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis City SC, and Kansas City Current.
Several representatives from those organizations attended a press conference on Thursday to support the initiative, including St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III.
“We are thrilled that more than 340,000 Missourians supported placing this issue on the November ballot,” DeWitt said. “The St. Louis Cardinals are proud to support this initiative, which will boost Missouri’s professional sports teams, our fans, and Missouri classrooms.”
Saying there’s a chance
Voters could bring online sports betting and in-person wagering at casinos and at or near professional teams’ stadiums to the Show Me State.
The initiative’s outline includes the Missouri Gaming Commission handling licensing duties, as well as a 10% tax rate on revenue from operators, who would be capped at deducting promotional credits at 25%. Winning for Missouri Education estimates millions of the tax revenue dollars will go toward education. If the sports betting measure ends up on the ballot, it could stand a good chance of passing.
Earlier this year, a poll found that 62% of state voters favor legalizing sports betting in Missouri to fund education. However, lawmakers have shown little interest in advancing sports betting bills in 2024, and they are still torn over including video terminal lottery machines in gambling proposals.
Seven of Missouri’s eight neighboring U.S. states already have legal sports betting, and the coalition is aimed at keeping those wagering dollars in the state.
