Missouri Sports Betting Initiative to Appear on November Ballot Following Court Ruling

Court Ruling Clears Path for Sports Betting Vote in Missouri

Judge Daniel Green’s ruling ensures that the ballot initiative will move forward, allowing voters to decide whether to legalize online and retail sports betting in the state.

If the measure passes, Missouri could see the launch of legal sportsbooks at major sports venues and riverboat casinos by 2025, along with the introduction of mobile betting apps. This would make Missouri one of the latest states to legalize sports betting, joining the 38 states that already allow the activity.

Support for Sports Betting and Education Funding

Jack Cardetti, spokesperson for Winning for Missouri Education, celebrated the court’s decision, calling it a victory for Missourians. “Today’s ruling, while expected, is nevertheless a big victory for Missourians, who overwhelmingly want to join the 38 other states that allow sports betting, so that we can provide tens of millions of permanent, dedicated funding each year to our public schools,” said Cardetti.

Proponents of the initiative argue that legal sports betting will provide significant funding for Missouri’s public schools. Cardetti pointed out that many Missouri residents currently cross state lines to place bets, diverting potential tax revenue away from the state. Legalizing sports betting could redirect those funds to benefit local education.

If approved by voters, legal sports betting could be operational in Missouri by the end of 2025, creating a new source of funding for schools and a regulated sports betting market for residents.