MISSOURI – Over the last few years, sports betting has been a hot-button voting topic nationwide with a pretty strong track record of winning on ballots.
On Friday, a Missouri judge sports betting ballot initiative up for vote in November would remain on state ballots.
With strong support among Missouri’s professional sports teams, residents are confident the measure could pass and pave the way to legal sports wagering in the state.
“A lot of people [right now] have to cross the bridge [from Missouri to Illinois] and go to the Casino Queen or to Alton to place their bets,” said Antwon Curtis, a Missouri resident and fan attending Friday’s St. Louis Cardinals game.
Several neighboring states, including Illinois, Arkansas and Kansas, have already legalized sports betting. Without legalization, Missouri risks losing potential revenue from those who cross state borders to place bets.
“The fact that the parties involved were able to get it on the ballot at all suggests to me that there is a fair bet of interest,” said Geoff Zochodne, a sports betting analyst for Covers.com
By legalizing and regulating sports betting, the state can enforce responsible gambling measures, from lawmakers seeking increased revenue to sports bettors seeking a new ways to place bets.
“I probably want to do some research, look into it like everybody should, look into the guidelines and the expectations,” said Debbie Berrong, another Missouri resident at Friday’s Cardinals game. “[Sports betting] is definitely something I would look into.”
Under the proposed initiative, at least $5 million annually in licensing fees and taxes would go toward problem gambling programs, with remaining tax revenues going toward elementary, secondary, and higher education.
A new poll on behalf of Saint Louis University and YouGov PLC suggests around 50% of respondents would support a sports betting measure, while 30% would oppose it and 20% would be unsure.
