Three of Four Missouri Candidates for Governor Support Sports Betting

Sports betting proponents in Missouri got some strong support in the last gubernatorial debate.

Three of the four candidates running to become the next Governor of Missouri expressed support for the industry. They all shared their support for the current ballot initiative that would legalize the industry if passed. The support is a massive win for the Winning For Missouri Education group, which was behind the effort to get sports betting on the ballot.

Missouri residents will get to vote on the topic in this November’s election.

Candidates Share Reasons for Support

The three candidates who shared their support in the debate were Republican Mike Kehoe, Democrat Crystal Quade, and Libertarian Bill Slantz. The three expressed concerns over the amount of sports betting revenue pouring over the state’s borders. Kehow and Quade highlighted the benefits a legal sports betting market could have for the state’s education system. 

Libertarian Slants said he supports the current amendment but does not like that the revenue will be funneled into the school system. However, he pledged to let that remain if elected to the state’s highest office.

The three candidates sharing similar reasons for supporting the industry will send a strong message to voters. With the country being dangerously divided over politics, candidates from opposing parties agreeing has become unique and will lead to residents taking notice ahead of November’s vote.

Green Party Candidate Voices Concerns

Paul Lehmann, the Green Party candidate, did not echo the support his rivals did. He thought the current amendment’s proposal to use tax revenue to support the state’s education system as deceptive. That is the same word other opponents to the amendment have used, including the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment organization.

The candidate's strong opposition was unsurprising. The former minister has publicly shared his views on the morality of gambling, believing it to be a sin regardless of how the revenue is used.

Sportsbook Operators Square Off

One of the most intriguing subplots of effort to legalize sports betting in Missouri is the battle between sportsbook operators. FanDuel and DraftKings have been helping to fund Winning for Missouri Education, which includes all of the state’s pro sports teams. While the financial backing has given the group a significant boost, it has made them an easy target for opponents claiming out-of-state operators are trying to sway the election.

FanDuel and DraftKings' support is hardly a surprise, but Caesars' donation to the opposition was. The Vegas-based gambling giant has donated $4 million to the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment organization. While the operator hasn’t revealed specifics around the reason for the donation, reports suggest they are pushing for their casinos to have more sportsbook skins.