Missouri Gubernatorial Candidates Support Sports Betting Legalization
In the upcoming Missouri gubernatorial election, both major candidates have expressed support for the legalization of sports betting. Crystal Quade, a Democrat, and Mike Kehoe, a Republican, voiced their support during recent debates. Additionally, Libertarian candidate Bill Slantz supports Constitutional Amendment 2, which aims to legalize sports betting with minimal regulations. However, Green Party candidate Paul Lehman opposes the measure.
Economic Impact of Legalizing Sports Betting in Missouri
Missouri is currently losing revenue to neighboring states that have already legalized sports betting. A study by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming predicts that Missouri could generate nearly $560 million in gross gaming revenue within five years of legalization. This would result in $105 million supporting public education over the next five years. The potential economic benefits are significant, making the case for legalization even stronger.
General Election and Ballot Initiative
Voters in Missouri will decide the fate of sports betting during the November 5 general election. The ballot initiative proposes legalizing both retail and online sports betting. State casinos would receive a single online sports betting license, with two untethered licenses available for other companies. Each Missouri sports team and casino would be eligible for one retail and one online sports betting license, allowing them to partner with an online operator if desired.
Campaign Support for Legalization
The campaign “Winning for Missouri Education” supports the ballot initiative, highlighting its potential as a permanent funding source for classrooms. The campaign emphasizes that the revenue from legal sports betting will support schools and provide much-needed funding to improve education across the state. This has garnered significant support from various stakeholders.
Polling Data on Missouri Sports Betting Legalization
Recent surveys indicate strong support for sports betting legalization in Missouri. An Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey of 850 Missouri voters shows that 52% support Amendment 2, while 25% oppose it. Support is particularly strong among young voters aged 18-29, with 64% in favor. Older voters, aged 65 and over, show lower approval at 44%. Higher educational levels and income also correlate with more support for the amendment.
Opposition to the Ballot Initiative
Despite the strong support, there is organized opposition to the ballot initiative. The group Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment has filed as a committee opposing the initiative. The opposition campaign has received over $4 million in funding from Caesars, which opposes the proposed ballot initiative because it would only provide them with one online sportsbook license if approved.
Vermont Sports Betting Legalization
Vermont launched legal sports betting on January 11, 2024. Three online operators are available: FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and DraftKings. Vermont bettors can access unique sportsbook promotions, making it an attractive market for sports betting enthusiasts. The state has implemented a legal framework that ensures responsible gambling practices.
Top Vermont Sports Betting Sites
The top sports betting sites in Vermont include FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and DraftKings. FanDuel offers a promotion where bettors can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets. Fanatics Sportsbook provides a high-performing app with live betting and NFL live streaming, along with a FanCash rewards program. DraftKings is known for its intuitive design and diverse betting options, offering a similar promotion to FanDuel.
Ohio Sports Betting Legalization
Ohio has also legalized sports betting, with both retail and online wagering now live. The state has a maximum of 25 sports betting licenses available, potentially allowing up to 50 online sports betting operators. Ohio is set to become one of the largest wagering markets in the country. Numerous Ohio online sportsbooks launched on January 1, 2023, offering significant opportunities for new bettors.
Key Sportsbook Apps in Ohio
Some of the key sportsbook apps in Ohio include ESPN BET, Bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel. These apps offer a range of betting options and promotions, making them popular choices among Ohio bettors. For example, Bet365 is known for its extensive range of betting options, especially in soccer and tennis.
Legal Framework and Regulations in Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine signed bills legalizing sports betting on December 22, 2021. Online sports betting officially launched on January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates the industry, ensuring that all operations are legal and fair. The state expects to generate between $70 million and $90 million per year in tax revenue from online sports betting.
Conclusion
The legalization of online sports betting is gaining momentum across the USA. States like Missouri, Vermont, and Ohio are leading the way, each with its own set of regulations and economic benefits. As more states consider legalization, the landscape of sports betting in the USA continues to evolve, offering new opportunities and challenges for both bettors and regulators.
