The Battle Over Sports Betting in Missouri: A Closer Look at the Campaigns
As Missouri gears up for a pivotal vote on November 5 regarding the legalization of sports betting, the landscape of the campaign has taken a significant turn. The Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, the primary opposition group, recently made headlines by canceling $1.2 million in television advertisements. This decision, reported by the Missouri Independent, underscores the shifting strategies in a campaign that is becoming increasingly competitive.
The Cancellation of Ads
The decision to pull the ads came just weeks after they were purchased, indicating a strategic pivot by the opposition campaign. Brooke Foster, a spokeswoman for the group, emphasized that the focus would now shift towards grassroots outreach and community conversations. This approach aims to engage voters directly in the remaining weeks leading up to the election, suggesting that the campaign is adapting to a tightening race.
Polling data from September indicated a strong initial support for the legalization of sports betting, with an Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey showing that 52% of respondents favored Amendment 2. However, the tightening of the race suggests that the opposition’s efforts may be resonating with voters, prompting the need for a more personal touch in their outreach.
The Stakes of Amendment 2
Amendment 2 seeks to legalize both retail and online sports betting in Missouri, a move that has been stalled in the state legislature for years. If passed, each Missouri sports team and casino would be eligible for one retail and one online sports betting license, potentially leading to 19 retail and 21 online licenses across the state. This framework could significantly reshape the gambling landscape in Missouri, making it a key battleground in the ongoing national conversation about sports betting.
Financial Backing for the Campaigns
The financial dynamics of the campaign are equally compelling. The Winning for Missouri Education campaign, which supports the legalization of sports betting, has received substantial backing from major players in the industry. FanDuel and DraftKings have emerged as significant contributors, with their combined donations exceeding $36.6 million. Just last week, FanDuel added $4.6 million to the campaign, highlighting the intense financial competition surrounding this issue.
On the other side, Caesars Entertainment has been a major financial force behind the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment. To date, Caesars has contributed over $14.2 million to the anti-sports betting campaign, with significant donations coming from its various Missouri casinos. The breakdown of these contributions includes:
- Caesars Enterprise Services: $167,542.88
- Tropicana St. Louis: $4,600,000
- Harrah’s North Kansas: $4,700,000
- Isle of Capri Boonville: $4,700,000
This influx of funds from Caesars and other opponents reflects the high stakes involved in the upcoming vote, as both sides vie for public support.
The Broader Implications
The outcome of the vote on Amendment 2 could have far-reaching implications for Missouri’s economy and its gambling landscape. Legalizing sports betting could not only generate significant tax revenue for the state but also create jobs and enhance the overall entertainment offerings available to residents and visitors alike.
As the election date approaches, the strategies employed by both sides will be closely watched. The cancellation of ads by the opposition and the continued financial support for the pro-sports betting campaign illustrate the dynamic nature of this political battle. With both sides ramping up their efforts, Missouri voters will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on a decision that could reshape the state’s gambling laws for years to come.