Missouri Voters Oppose Sports Betting Legalization, Poll Finds

If the election were held today, the initiative to legalize sports betting in the state, supported by professional sports teams, would likely be rejected.

Poll Details and Voter Sentiment

The survey, which included 684 likely voters, was conducted over two days, from May 8-9. It shows that 60% of respondents oppose legalizing sports betting, with only 36% in favor and 4% undecided. This strong opposition reflects Missouri’s conservative stance on various issues, including legal abortion.

For more than five years, Missouri’s general assembly has attempted to pass sports betting legislation. However, these efforts have been consistently blocked by Senator Denny Hoskins. Hoskins has linked the legalization of sports betting to the approval of video lottery terminals (VLTs), which face strong opposition from the state’s casinos.

Conflict Over Video Lottery Terminals

Casinos argue that VLTs, which are similar to slot machines, pose a threat to their business and advocate for a ban on these machines. Currently, VLTs operate in a regulatory grey area, often found in convenience stores and restaurants without explicit legal oversight.

Senator Hoskins has actively opposed several bills favored by casinos and professional sports teams, using filibustering tactics to prevent House bills from reaching a Senate vote. His actions have effectively stalled progress on sports betting legislation.