A recently established Political Action Committee (PAC) has labeled the Missouri sports betting measure on the November ballot as “deceptive”. The PAC, known as Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment (MADOGA), aims to persuade voters to reject the legislative measure that would legalize sports betting in Missouri. The group argues that the measure is designed for the financial benefit of out-of-state corporate sponsors and funders.
As the debate over sports betting continues, it is worth noting that while 38 states plus Washington, D.C. have already legalized some form of sports betting, 12 states are still resisting the market. In Missouri, voters are set to decide the fate of sports betting in their state on November 5. MADOGA has mobilized a coalition and is prepared to launch a vigorous campaign to educate voters and ensure the defeat of the measure.
Opponents of the sports betting measure, including MADOGA, have raised concerns about the potential financial implications of legalizing sports betting. They point to a fiscal review by the Missouri auditor’s office, which suggested that sportsbooks could use promotional credits to reduce their tax liability to zero. Additionally, Governor Mike Parson’s administration has criticized the initiative for failing to designate a state agency to collect sports betting taxes.
Despite efforts to challenge the approval of the sports betting measure for the November ballot, including a lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed, opponents face an uphill battle. A sports betting petition in April garnered support from over 325,000 residents, and DraftKings recently injected $3.5 million into a pro-sports betting PAC called Winnings for Missouri Education. This PAC has launched a TV ad in support of Amendment 2, arguing that sports betting will generate millions in funds for public schools and higher education.
The clash over sports betting in Missouri highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the legalization of this industry. While some argue that it could bring significant financial benefits to the state, others express concerns about the potential negative effects and the influence of out-of-state interests. As voters prepare to make their decision on November 5, both sides are gearing up for a contentious battle to sway public opinion and shape the future of sports betting in Missouri.