Missouri betting initiative to legalise sports wagers would fail

Missouri’s General Assembly has been trying for more than five years to legalise sports betting. But Overall, 60% of those polled say they are against legalisation, 36% are in favour, and 4% are undecided. Remington Research Group on behalf of Missouri Scout surveyed 684 likely voters 8-9 May.

At issue is an initiative proposal that would allow for statewide digital wagering requiring platforms to be tethered to professional sports venues or existing casinos. The proposal is a departure from bills that have failed in the state legislature. And it likely does not have the full support of the state’s casinos.

Legalisation has been elusive

Missouri’s General Assembly has been trying for more than five years to legalise sports betting. But the effort has been stymied by Senator Denny Hoskins, who has long wanted to tie wagering and video lottery terminal legalisation together. His bills have stalled because the state’s casinos say the VLTs are a threat to their businesses. The machines closely resemble slot machines.

The casinos want the state to ban the machines, which are currently operating in a gray area. The machines can be found in convenience stores or restaurants, and are neither explicitly allowed or prohibited in the state, which means they are unregulated.

As Hoskins has pushed his agenda, he has rallied against several bills that had the backing of the casinos and professional teams. Hoskins filibustered during two sessions to prevent house bills backed by both from getting a vote on the senate floor.

Who would DK, FD side with?

While the consortium of the state’s casinos planned to wait it out – Hoskins term-limits out later this year – the pro teams went rogue. Under the name "Winning for Missouri Education,” the teams filed multiple initiative proposals, and are now moving forward with one that would allow for digital platforms and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. Earlier this month, the proponents submitted 340,000 signatures to the state for verification.