Currently, Missouri is one of 12 states that still doesn’t have sports betting legalized. However, lawmakers have been working diligently to make a change. The Winning For Missouri Education campaign needed to have 170,000 valid signatures turned in by May 5. In total, they got over 340,000 signatures that were delivered by mascots to the Secretary of State last Thursday. 

Professional sports teams in Missouri are in favor of legalizing sports betting in the state. Mascots from the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Blues joined the Cardinals’ Firebird to deliver the signatures to Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft. There have been several setbacks over the years to try and delay this process. Senator Denny Hoskins has been skeptical in the past and voiced his concerns on the legalization of sports betting. 

Despite that, there’s been overwhelming support from voters in the state. Now, citizens must wait for the Secretary of State to authenticate petition signatures. Then, this initiative would qualify for a public vote. They are giving sports betting in Missouri a real chance to be legalized if voters show their support in the November election.

Missouri voters are in favor of legalizing sports betting because of the revenue it will bring in for the state

The Winning For Missouri Education campaign has estimated that “tens of millions” could be made annually. Sports betting has been profitable in several states that already have it legalized. Missouri is looking to be the next. A fiscal note estimates that this initiative could generate nearly $30 million. Five million of that would help support problem gambling in the state. The rest of that money would go toward the Missouri public schools and the education system. 

Neighboring states like Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kansas already have some form of sports betting legalized. Missouri has a legitimate chance to be the next state to join the sports betting market. During polls in February and March at Emerson College and St. Louis University, they reported that at least 60% of Missourians support sports betting being legalized. The Missouri Gaming Commission would legalize sports wagering in the state if the ballot question passes. Missouri already has 13 casinos that could start allowing sports wagers to be placed. Additionally, the six professional sports teams could partner with sportsbooks to operate in-person and online markets. Sports betting has the chance to flourish in Missouri if it gets the support it needs.