---
title: "Caesars Donates $4 Million to Support Fight to Keep Sports Betting Illegal"
description: "Reports have shown that Caesars Entertainment has donated $4 million to a group looking to sway voters to vote against legal sports betting in November"
author: "Michael Savio"
date: "2024-09-21T02:45:25+03:00"
url: "https://www.casino.com/news/sports-betting/caesars-donates-4-million-to-support-fight-to-keep-sports-betting-illegal/"
source: "https://instantly-lasting-parrot.edgecompute.app/news/sports-betting/caesars-donates-4-million-to-support-fight-to-keep-sports-betting-illegal/"
---

The topic of legalizing sports betting in the Show-Me state will be on the ballot in November, but it has gained a powerful new opponent.

Records show that Caesars Entertainment has given the newly-formed “Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment” (MADOGA) group, which is working to convince voters to reject legalizing the industry. While the move surprised many bettors, industry experts have pointed out several reasons for the gaming giant’s opposing measure.

The donation was sent from the company’s three Missouri casinos.

## Limited Skins for Casinos Likely Led to Donation

While Caesars has not publicly addressed the donation, industry experts believe language in the proposed initiative is the driving reason for it. The biggest sticking point would be that the state’s casinos will be limited to just one sportsbook skin. Caesars has been pushing for up to three in past attempts, which could be why they are now opposing the latest effort.

## Caesars Support Could Have Massive Impact

While those familiar with the industry understand the move, most residents won’t. Instead, they will see one of the biggest sports betting operators in the world taking a financial stance against legalizing the industry in Missouri. That will send up some red flags for residents, especially considering the name of the group receiving the funds.

The danger of sports betting has been in the news frequently over the last year, which will already have some residents worried about legalizing it in the Show-Me State. Legislatures nationwide have been calling for increased regulations, leading to the [SAFE Bet Act being proposed in Congress](https://www.casino.com/news/responsible-gambling/federal-lawmakers-look-to-overhaul-sports-betting-industry/).

These public outcries will make residents warry, and a brand like Casers attempting to stop legalization could be all they need to vote “No” in November.

## DraftKings and FanDuel at Odds with Caesars

What makes Caesars’ decision all the more shocking is that DraftKings and FanDuel have been on the other side. The two industry leaders have been financially supporting the “Winning for Missouri Education” group that led the ballot initiative to get sports betting on the ballot. The group is made up of representatives from the state’s pro sports teams, who have been in support of legalization.

One of MADOGA’s main arguments against legalization is that outside operators are trying to force their way into the state at the expense of residents. They point to FanDuel and DraftKings participation as proof of that.