Endorsements for Missouri Sports Betting Amendment Continue to Roll In

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
11/01/2024
Sports Betting
Endorsements for Missouri Sports Betting Amendment Continue to Roll In
Photo by Conman33, CC BY-SA 4.0

Key Takeaways

  • The mayors of St. Louis and Kansas City announced support for Amendment 2
  • Mayor Jones cited the sports betting revenue flowing over state borders
  • Missouri voters will decide the fate of Amendment 2 on Tuesday

The fate of sports betting in the Show-Me State will be decided on Tuesday, leading to a flurry of last-minute endorsements.

Among the biggest were St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. The leaders of the state’s two largest cities expressed their support for Amendment 2, which would legalize sports betting in Missouri. They join a growing list of legislatures to support the move, a positive sign for the bill’s chances.

Mayor Cites Lost Revenue

Like many other politicians who supported Amendment 2, Mayor Jones spoke about the money being lost over the state’s borders.

“Every time a Missourian has to drive across the river to Illinois to place a sports bet is a missed opportunity for our city, our state, and our passionate sports fans,” Jones said. “Missourians are betting on sports; we just aren’t getting any of the benefits. Amendment 2 will change this by allowing Missourians to place bets in a regulated, safe way that actually benefits our local economies and classrooms.”

The argument has been used across the country, as the few states without sports betting have considered making it legal. Over 30 states have some form of legal sports betting, while offshore books continue to operate. 

Support a Good Sign for Amendment 2

Polls have been mixed about the bill’s chances of becoming law, but support from political candidates across the state is a good sign. Tuesday’s election is one of the most significant in the country’s history, leading candidates to monitor voter needs closely.

Candidates from both parties have begun to support the Amendment. Unity of any kind has been rare, so seeing Republicans and Democrats both endorse the bill means they believe most voters favor legal sports betting.

St. Louis Group Opposing Current Proposal

While many political candidates have supported Amendment 2, the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee (SLDCC) has expressed opposition. While the SLDCC does not oppose the idea of a legal sports betting market, it does not approve of the language surrounding how it would be taxed.

According to tax revenue projections for the Amendment, the state could receive anywhere from $0 to $29 million annually. The bill would allow operators to deduct gaming revenue, resulting in less money for the state.

Michael Savio covers the US online casino industry, giving readers insights and information they won’t find anywhere else. He has followed the retail industry since his time living in Las Vegas and has continued to do so as the online industry has taken off. Michael covers everything from online casino reviews to industry news, making him one of the most trusted insiders in the business. Check out Michael’s latest articles at casinos.com to see what he has to offer!