Missouri Judge Denies Attempt to Remove Sportsbetting From Ballot

Missouri judge Daniel R. Green has ruled against a group looking to remove a ballot measure that would ask the state's voters whether sportsbetting should be legalized in the Show Me State.

Those who looked to remove the ballot initiative said that there weren't enough valid signatures, claiming that they were 600 short of the threshold. The judge disagreed and said that the measure will remain on the ballot.

A push to ask voters to decide on legalizing sportsbetting was pushed by Winning for Missouri Education, a group that wants to see the activity legalized. The coalition is backed by all of the state's professional sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals. The industry would be taxed at 10% on revenues, with most funds going toward education, with $5 million set aside to prevent gambling harm.

Regarding the ruling, Winning for Missouri Education spokesman Jack Cardetti said: "For too many years, Missourians have watched as fans cross state lines to place sport bets, which deprives our Missouri public schools of much-needed funding. A vote for Amendment 2 in November will bring those dollars back to Missouri classrooms."

The odds of success for the ballot measure are high, as 60% of those surveyed in Missouri felt that the activity should be legalized.

Casino Listings News is following this story and will update readers as appropriate.