Missouri voters decide on legalizing online sports betting in 2023
- Missouri voters will decide on legalizing online sports betting for those 21 and older in November 2023.
- Amendment 2 proposes a 10% tax on revenues, with funds allocated to education after covering regulatory costs.
- Supporters claim it could redirect significant offshore betting revenue into the state's economy, while opponents question the funding guarantees.
In 2023, Missouri voters are set to decide on the legalization of online sports betting, joining 38 other states that have already embraced this trend. The proposed Amendment 2 would allow individuals aged 21 and older to place bets online, imposing a 10% tax on revenues generated from these activities. The tax revenue is intended to support education funding after covering costs for the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund. Supporters of the amendment, represented by the group Winning for Missouri Education, argue that legalizing online sports betting could redirect an estimated $2 billion currently wagered on offshore sites back into the state’s economy. They claim this could result in tens of millions of dollars for educational initiatives, benefiting children and schools across Missouri. However, opposition exists, with the group Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment challenging the claims made by proponents. They argue that the amendment does not guarantee that the generated funds will be allocated to education, raising concerns about the potential impact of legalized sports betting on the community. As the election approaches, the debate intensifies, highlighting the broader national conversation about sports betting regulation. Recent legislative efforts at the federal level aim to establish guidelines for advertising and responsible gambling practices, reflecting growing concerns about gambling addiction and its implications for public health.