Tensions Rise Over Missouri’s Sports Betting Ballot Measure as Campaigns Reshape Strategies

As the countdown to Election Day approaches, the political landscape in Missouri is heating up, particularly regarding the proposed Amendment 2, which would legalize sports betting in the state. In a strategic shift that has caught the attention of campaign watchers, the group Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment recently announced the cancellation of over $1 million worth of television advertisements opposing the amendment. This move comes at a critical time as the competing campaign, backed by major gambling corporations, ramped up its promotional efforts featuring baseball legend Ozzie Smith.

A Financial Power Play

With nearly $4 million invested in advertising against Amendment 2, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment had been positioning itself as a formidable opponent. The announced cancellation of $1.2 million in television ads signals a tactical pivot. Brooke Foster, a spokeswoman for the campaign, indicated that the group would refocus its efforts on grassroots outreach and community engagement in the lead-up to the vote.

"While the out-of-state online gambling corporations continue to throw millions of dollars at misleading TV ads, we have decided to focus our efforts on grassroots outreach and community conversations during the two and a weeks that remain before Election Day,” stated Foster in an email to the Missouri Independent. This strategy reflects a growing trend in political campaigns to connect directly with voters rather than relying solely on mass media.

The Financial Giants Behind the Campaign

The Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment is supported by notable contributions from Caesars Entertainment, which has invested $14.2 million to combat the ballot measure. Interestingly, Caesars is the only one among Missouri’s six licensed casino operators actively opposing Amendment 2. In contrast, the committee Winning for Missouri Education—which champions the amendment—has significantly outstripped its opponents, becoming the most heavily funded ballot measure campaign in state history. Notably, sports betting giants FanDuel and DraftKings have each contributed $15.8 million to the campaign, establishing a powerful financial front in favor of legalization.

Polling Data and Public Opinion

Despite strong financial backing for both sides, public sentiment appears increasingly supportive of legalized sports betting. According to a recent poll conducted by St. Louis University/YouGov, 50% of voters indicated their support for the measure, while only 30% opposed it. However, the presence of targeted television ads opposing Amendment 2 has begun to narrow this lead, with campaign officials noting that public opinion is tightening.

"It’s definitely tightened," Foster acknowledged, indicating a response to the ad campaigns that have been rolling out since early September. This underscores the volatile dynamics at play as undecided voters grapple with the pros and cons of legalized sports wagering.

The Implications of Amendment 2

If passed, Amendment 2 would establish a sports betting tax rate of 10% for Missouri, allowing for both retail and online sports wagering through the state’s professional sports franchises and 13 licensed casinos. Two online betting platforms would also be in line to receive licenses, aligning Missouri with 38 other states and Washington D.C. that currently offer legalized sports wagering.

Jack Cardetti, a spokesman for Winning for Missouri Education, expressed confidence in their campaign’s trajectory, attributing their momentum to the increasing visibility of their message among voters. As ad campaigns ramp up—highlighting endorsements from professional sports teams—Cardetti stated, "The Amendment 2 campaign will continue to aggressively get our message out and ensure that Missourians know the benefits of legalizing sports betting, right up until the last hour."

The Broader Context of the Election

As voters prepare to head to the polls, Amendment 2 is not the only significant item on the ballot. In addition, voters will have the opportunity to make decisions regarding the state’s ban on abortion and proposed increases in the minimum wage. With multiple high-stakes issues at play, the September and October period will be pivotal for both campaigns as they vie for voter attention and support.

In conclusion, the unfolding battle over Amendment 2 signifies more than just a question of legalizing sports betting in Missouri; it represents a clash between grassroots community engagement and the immense financial resources of national gambling operators. With polls tight, and both sides doubling down on their strategies, the coming weeks are set to be critical in determining the outcome of this contentious referendum.