DraftKings Adds $5M to Missouri Sports Betting Push

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 11 October 2024

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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Understanding Amendment 2 and the Broader Campaign

Following years of unsuccessful attempts from legislators to legalize sports betting in the state, Missouri residents will finally get the chance to make up their own minds and vote “yes” or “no” on the November general election ballot. If Amendment 2 or the so-called wagering initiative is passed, this will allow for both retail and mobile sports betting.

Since it became clear that Amendment 2 will be included on the ballot, two distinctive campaigns have been launched in the state. The first one is the “Winning for Missouri Education” one, which supports the legalization of sports betting in the state. It focuses its attention on the benefits this will potentially have, including significant funding potential for education and problem gambling initiatives.

In addition to DraftKings, FanDuel has also made significant contributions towards the initiative. Most recently, it added $1.5 million to its donations on 13 September 2024. Other digital platforms such as Fanatics Sportsbook and BetMGM are also among the most dedicated supporters of legal sports betting in Missouri.

Opposition Led by Caesars Entertainment and Local Casino Operators

On the other hand, we have different opposition groups, including the so-called “Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment”. They argue that education funding claims are misleading and that problem gambling rates will rapidly increase if the wagering initiative is approved and sports betting becomes legal in the state.

The proponents of Amendment 2 are making empty promises about education in order to sway voters, and Missourians deserve to know the truth about the measure. In reality, Amendment 2 contains no guarantees that a single penny will go to our schools. These out-of-state online gaming corporations are using Missouri students and teachers as a gimmick to pass online sports gambling while giving themselves huge tax deductions

– said Brooke Foster, spokesperson for “Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment”.

Interestingly enough, another highly recognized gambling company, Caesars Entertainment, made a donation of $4 million to the opposition. In fact, other operators of land-based casinos in Missouri are also against the legalization of sports betting as it’s unclear how this will affect their position and numbers on the market.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports Betting in Missouri

As Amendment 2 heads toward a statewide vote in November, DraftKings and its supporters hope to bring regulated sports wagering to the state, creating new revenue streams for education and gambling addiction programs and, of course, for themselves. However, opposition from Caesars Entertainment and local casinos continues to cast doubt on the amendment’s potential impact.

This ensures a heated battle in the months leading up to the vote. Our gambling experts are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, and they’ll keep you posted on any future updates on the topic. Make sure to keep an eye out on our website for further information.