The race to legalize sports betting in Missouri continues to show positive momentum, with the latest Emerson College/The Hill poll revealing that 52% of voters are in favor of legalizing the industry. Despite an emerging opposition campaign, support for the Missouri sports betting ballot question remains robust.
According to the survey, conducted between September 12–13, 25% of Missourians oppose the measure, while 22% remain undecided. With a 3.3% margin of error, the poll demonstrates a steady increase in support, especially among those advocating for the education funding benefits of legalized sports betting.
Benefits for Missouri Education
Proponents of the measure, led by the Winning for Missouri Education campaign, emphasize the potential revenue boost that legalized sports betting would bring to the state’s education system.
Jack Cardetti, spokesperson for Winning for Missouri Education, stated:
“Missouri voters understand the potential for sports betting to deliver enormous benefits to our students and teachers. The revenue generated from legal sports betting will support our schools and provide much-needed funding to improve education across the state.”
The campaign, backed by Missouri’s six professional sports teams and industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel, has received more than $11.5 million in contributions. The measure was certified for the November 5 ballot after collecting 370,000 signatures, but not without facing a legal challenge.
Opposition Ramps Up
Following a lawsuit challenging the ballot certification — which was ultimately dismissed — the opposition group Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment emerged. Led by Caesars and its three Missouri-based casinos, the group has contributed over $4 million to fight the initiative.
The opposition’s main concern lies in the ballot question’s structure, which allows for two untethered online sportsbook licenses. Under the measure, each casino operator would receive one online sports betting skin, while previous sports betting legislation allowed for multiple skins without untethered licenses. Missouri’s land-based casino operators have expressed dissatisfaction with this approach, fearing it may limit their market potential.
Voter Sentiment and Educational Funding
Polling numbers from August showed 50% of voters supporting the sports betting question, with 21% undecided. The recent uptick in support comes on the heels of the Winning for Missouri Education campaign’s first TV advertisement, which highlights the 10% tax on sports betting that will go directly toward funding public education.
The need for additional funding has become more pressing, with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reporting a $100 million shortfall in state education funding for the current school year.
Looking Ahead
As November 5 approaches, both sides are ramping up efforts to sway public opinion. While supporters of legalized sports betting continue to emphasize the potential educational benefits, the opposition campaign is focusing on the perceived limitations and risks associated with the proposed ballot question.
With the backing of major sports betting operators and a steadily growing number of supportive voters, the ballot initiative remains a critical issue to watch in Missouri this election season.
