Efforts to legalize Missouri sportsbooks took another step on Thursday as proponents filed paperwork with the state’s Ethics Commission to create a campaign committee that wants voters to pass a constitutional amendment later this year.
“Winning for Missouri Education” is pushing for a ballot measure where the tax revenue from legalized sports betting would fund schools across the state. Its creation comes six weeks after the Secretary of State’s Office deemed eight versions of a proposed amendment as “approved for circulation.”
Each version differed slightly in wording regarding the number of licenses. It’s uncertain which version supporters will include in their petitions requesting to get the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. A message to organizers was not immediately returned on Friday. The proposals are Missouri SB824 and SB 852.
Under state law, supporters will need to get enough signatures from registered voters that equals 8% of the number of registered voters in six of the state’s eight congressional districts. At a minimum, that would require 171,592 signatures.
Proponents must submit their petitions to election officials for review by May 5 for it to be included on the November general ballot.
Lawmakers To Try Again On Missouri Sportsbooks
Supporters of legalized MO betting apps and retail options, including the state’s professional sports teams, casino operators and the Sports Betting Alliance, are pushing for the referendum after legislature has been unable to pass a bill in recent years.
There is support for sports betting in Jefferson City. However, Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, wants to tie it to allowing video lottery terminals across the state. With casinos opposed to VLTs, it has led to Hoskins blocking sports betting bills that do not include the gaming machines.
The Missouri General Assembly’s 2024 session started Wednesday. Hoskins has refiled his bill to legalize sports betting and VLTs. Meanwhile, Majority Caucus Chair Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, refiled his standalone Missouri sports betting legislation on Wednesday. Barring any new developments, it would appear that the Senate could be at loggerheads once again this year.
BetMissouri.com will continue to monitor the progress of efforts to legalize wagering on sports, through either legislation or a ballot initiative. If the efforts come to fruition, we’ll keep you posted on any Missouri sportsbook promo codes available from major operators.
