Kansas City Chiefs President Express Support for Legalization of Sports Betting in Missouri
As sports betting bills failed to pass the Senate before the end of this year’s legislative session, proponents of the idea now have to hope it will garner the necessary support in the November ballot. The Kansas Chiefs President has strongly backed the initiative.
“Winning for Missouri Education” Campaign Gains Momentum
Missouri remains one of the few states yet to pass legislation regulating sports betting. Hopes for resolving this issue during this year’s legislative session were dashed, and no agreement was reached. However, there is still hope that sports betting in Missouri could kick off as early as 2025. If the initiative makes its way to the November ballot, the decision will be in the hands of Missouri residents.
The “Winning for Missouri Education” campaign has been actively working to place sports betting legalization on the November 2024 ballot, gaining wide support, including local sports franchises such as the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals.
The campaign is now awaiting final approval from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, expected by July 30. This approval depends on the verification of roughly 180,000 signatures submitted in support of the measure, with supporters having turned in nearly 400,000 signatures.
Support from Major Sports Teams and Leading Sportsbooks
President of the Chiefs, Mark Donovan, recently spoke out in support of the initiative, stating, “We believe it’s the right thing for the state, fans, and sports. It’s proven successful in nearly every state surrounding Missouri, so we support it fully.” He also highlighted his involvement in the case, stating “I’ve spent more time in Jefferson City on that issue than any other.”
Missouri’s major professional sports teams are collaborating with sportsbooks to advocate for regulated statewide mobile sports betting.
As of the May 15 quarterly report, considerable contributions have been made by the top sportsbooks in the country. FanDuel has contributed just over $4 million, while DraftKings has added $2 million. Together, these contributions make up nearly all of the approximately $6.5 million raised to support the measure. The campaign has reported close to $6 million in expenditures as of the same date.
Early polling indicates a nearly even split among voters, with similar numbers supporting, opposing, and undecided about the measure.
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