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.