Operator Deductions at the Center of Opposition
The top concern for the SLDCC is the amount of tax revenue generated. While the tax rate is in line with the region, sportsbook operators would be allowed to deduct revenue from their accounts. That has led to tax revenue projections for the Amendment ranging anywhere from $0 to $29 million annually.
Massive tax revenue hauls have been the driving force behind many states legalizing the sports betting industry, making it a big hurdle to overcome with voters. Other Democrats have also expressed concern over the little funds being allocated for problem gambling programs.
SLDCC Pushes Support For New Casino
While the SLDCC does not support the current amendment to legalize sports betting, it is not opposed to other gambling measures on the bill. One of those is Amendment Five, which would allow for the construction of a new casino in the Lake of the Ozarks. The group cited the jobs generated from the project as the reason for their support.
“When we look at Amendment 5, we have an opposition situation taking place.” SLDCC Chair Sean Fuss said. “We have money that’s constitutionally allocated to early childhood literacy. This will also include construction jobs, over 500 of them down at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as jobs to operate the casino going forward.”
How Will Opposition Affect the November Vote?
The SLDCC’s opposition comes just one week before November’s General Election. The group’s message will likely carry much weight in St. Louis, the second-largest city in Missouri. Especially given the deep political divide in the US.
Missouri Voters will be inundated with ads for both sides of the Amendment 2 debate over the next week. While the messages will differ, the main question voters must answer is whether they believe the current proposal will bring in enough revenue to justify legalizing the industry.
While many expect the Amendment to pass next week, polls have shown mixed results, making its future uncertain.
