by Melanie Chance

With only 36 days left until election day (34 by the time many receive this), Missouri voters will be considering several amendments and propositions on the November ballot. Voters need to understand the implications of each of these measures. Last week, we discussed Missouri Amendment 3, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative. This week, we’ll break down Amendment 2, the Sports Betting Initiative.

No matter which political party you belong to, it’s important to participate in the voting process, especially when it comes to amendments and propositions. These decisions directly impact our communities, states, and homes. It’s crucial to stay informed and educated about these matters and make your voice heard at the polls.

Missouri Amendment 2, Sports Betting Initiative (2024)

Yes / No Summaries

A “no” vote opposes legalizing and regulating sports wagering in Missouri.

A “yes” vote supports legalizing and regulating sports wagering in Missouri.

Ballot Question

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

Allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering, including online sports betting, gambling boats, professional sports betting districts, and mobile licenses to sports betting operators;

restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21;

Allow license fees prescribed by the Commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses incurred by the Commission and required funding of the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, and allow for the general assembly to enact laws consistent with this amendment?

State governmental entities estimate one-time costs of $660,000, ongoing annual costs of at least $5.2 million, and initial license fee revenue of $11.75 million. Because the proposal allows for deductions against sports gaming revenues, they estimate unknown tax revenue ranging from $0 to $28.9 million annually. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.

Arguments against

State Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-21):

“I’m not against putting that question on the ballot, but I’ve consistently said that the ballot language that they are using, I don’t believe best serves the people of Missouri. Number one, the tax rate is very low. The fees are very low. There’s not enough money in there for problem compulsive gambling, which is going to be caused by legalization of sports betting here in the state. … The casinos, I’ve seen, would net an increase of $25 million a piece. Let me say that again, if sports betting passes in the state of Missouri, casinos will net another $25 million in net profit going to their bottom line. So, I want to make sure that Missourians are protected.”

Arguments in favor

Jack Cardetti, spokesman of Winning Missouri Education:

“Missouri is one of only about a dozen states that hasn’t legalized sports betting. And that means we lose out on millions of dollars that could be going to our classrooms, and millions of dollars of economic opportunity. So if this ballot initiative passes, Missourians will be able to place sports bets in a responsible, regulated manner.”

References: https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page

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