Political Resistance and Competing Interests Pose Challenges
Vermont became the latest state to join the trend, launching mobile sports betting on Thursday. However, the odds for additional state legislatures to embrace it appear uncertain in 2024 due to political resistance and the competing financial interests of existing gambling operators.
Teams Circulate Petitions to Gather Support
The Missouri sports teams have taken action, announcing that they have begun circulating petitions this week. They plan to gather signatures at a St. Louis Cardinals offseason event and a St. Louis Blues home game. Other teams in the coalition include the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Current and St. Louis City soccer teams. Supporters have until May to submit approximately 180,000 signatures of registered voters needed to qualify for the ballot.
Unified Goal for Legalization
The teams are united in their goal of supporting the legalization of sports wagering in Missouri. Bill DeWitt III, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, stated, “We are united in our goal of supporting the legalization of sports wagering in Missouri in a reasonable, safe, and responsible way that is good for our teams, our fans, our Missouri teachers, and our other citizens of Missouri.”
Proposed Constitutional Amendment
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow each of Missouri’s 13 casinos and six professional sports teams to offer onsite and mobile sports betting. Teams would have control over onsite betting and advertising within 400 yards of their stadiums and arenas. The initiative also includes provisions for licensing two mobile sports betting operators directly through the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Support from Sportsbook Companies
The sportsbook companies DraftKings and FanDuel have shown their support for the ballot initiative. Each company has contributed $250,000 to a newly created campaign committee backing the initiative.
Funding for Education and Problem Gambling Programs
If approved by voters, the initiative would allocate at least $5 million annually in licensing fees and taxes towards problem gambling programs. The remaining tax revenues would be directed towards elementary, secondary, and higher education. State regulators would be required to launch sports betting no later than December 1, 2025.
Challenges in the Legislative Process
While sports betting bills have previously passed the Missouri House, there has been a lack of consensus in the Senate. Republican state Sen. Denny Hoskins has advocated for pairing sports wagering with the regulation of legally questionable slot-machine-style video games. This has caused disagreement with casinos, resulting in an impasse.
Intense Lobbying Efforts
Online sports wagering companies, casinos, professional sports teams, and video gaming terminal interests have collaborated to hire approximately 80 lobbyists in Missouri.
