A push to legalize sports betting in Missouri surpassed a notable milestone this week. Winning for Missouri Education shared Wednesday that it has recorded over 300,000 signatures for its initiative to put the question of legalizing sports betting on November ballots in the Show Me State.
The group needs to send 180,000 valid signatures to the Missouri Secretary of State by May 5 to get the question on the ballot. It plans to have roughly 325,000 signatures by that deadline.
“The tremendous support we’ve seen throughout the state is a testament to Missourians’ readiness to bring sports betting revenue home and support our local schools, students and teachers in the process,” Winning for Missouri Education spokesperson Jack Cardetti said in a press release. “As the campaign approaches our goal of putting this on the November ballot, Missouri is a step closer to allowing Missouri adults to bet on sports, while generating tens of millions in annual funding for our classrooms.”
Pro franchises drive initiative
Winning for Missouri Education is led by the state's professional sports franchises, which want sports betting apps legalized in the state. The Kansas City Chiefs, Current, and Royals support the initiative in addition to the St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, and City SC.