The sports wagering proposal in Missouri has been presented with more than 340,000 signatures.
The proposition, which would make sports betting legal in Missouri, was submitted to the Secretary of State and has been endorsed by over 340,000 individuals.
The proposal, which requires 180,000 confirmed signatures to be included on the November ballot, has far surpassed that number, exceeding the 325,000 target set in April.
The initiative would circumvent the state legislature, which has been sluggish in legalizing online gambling in the state, enabling it to join neighboring states like Kansas and Kentucky. Seven of Missouri’s eight bordering states currently offer sports betting opportunities.
The campaign spokesperson, Jack Cardetti, stated, “We are thankful for the support of Missouri’s professional sports teams, who have been instrumental in creating this chance for Missourians to vote directly in November.”
The proposal aims to fund Missouri education.
Missouri is one of the few states in the Midwest that does not currently have legal sports wagering.
Consequently, Missouri is losing out on a substantial amount of state income, with its citizens either wagering with offshore operators or traveling to neighboring states to place bets.
“Victory for Missouri Education” referenced statistics from GeoComply when submitting the petition. GeoComply indicated that during Super Bowl weekend, roughly 431,000 Missouri residents attempted to wager but were unsuccessful.
The “Victory for Missouri Education” organization believes the initiative would put an end to illicit activities, enabling the state to utilize the funds for education. The group emphasized that Missouri educators are among the lowest paid in the nation.
“As one of only 12 states without legal sports betting, Missouri took a significant step today to ensure that these revenues remain in Missouri to assist our communities and schools,” Caldetti added.
The next stage for legal sports wagering
County clerks will now tally the signatures on the petition. The Secretary of State’s office typically decides whether a campaign will go to the ballot around July.
The group believes the petition will allow for “secure and legal” sports wagering. The Missouri Gaming Commission will oversee sports betting in the state. The state will impose a 10% tax on sports betting, generating tens of millions of dollars in income for Missouri education.
The St. Louis Cardinals, a Major League Baseball team, also participated in the petition.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ leader, Bill DeWitt III, is hopeful about the possible effects of legalized sports wagering in Missouri.
“The St. Louis Cardinals are delighted to back this suggestion, which will be advantageous to professional sports teams in Missouri, our supporters, and Missouri educational institutions,” DeWitt III stated.
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