ST. LOUIS – Although sports betting has been on the rise throughout the country in the last few years, it’s still illegal in Missouri.
However, that could change sooner rather than later. A new campaign by Winning for Missouri Education is collecting signatures in an effort to put the proposal in front of Missouri voters this year.
“It’s a lot of fun and heartbreaking at the same time,” sportsbetter Nick Ahrens said.
Ahrens bets on football in Illinois, where sports betting is legal.
“As far as getting fan participation in the game, I think it’s great for it,” Ahrens said. “It’s a whirlwind of emotions.”
Tony Salinas told FOX 2 that he comes from a military background, and he thinks sports betting is a freedom everyone should have.
“It makes sense to do it,” he said. “I think it’s the American way.”
In the new proposal, at least $5 million would go toward gambling addiction programs every year. Even with that caveat, Kevin Pomeroy is still against sports betting.
“I think gambling is an addiction,” Pomeroy said. “I really think there’s going to be some real issues with it down the road.”
To get the issue on this year’s ballot, Winning for Missouri Education needs to gather 180,000 signatures by May 5.
