According to a poll released Thursday, half of all likely Missouri voters support legalizing mobile sports betting.
The poll found that 50% of voters likely to participate in the upcoming election will vote “yes” on a ballot measure that would allow statewide mobile sports betting platforms, as well as retail sportsbooks at casinos and near major professional sports venues. The Saint Louis University/YouGov poll found only 30% opposed the measure with the remaining respondents undecided.
More polling details
The poll’s support reflected demographic trends for sports bettors.
The strongest support came from highly educated, upper-income males under age 44 living in the state’s two major metropolitan areas. Respondents in the Kansas City and St. Louis metros showed 58% and 56% support, respectively, among the highest backing of any subcategory polled.
Men favored the amendment more than women, 58% to 42%. The survey found only 10% of men were not sure about sports betting compared to 30% of women.
The poll found support correlated inversely with age, showing younger voters more supportive and older voters less supportive. The highest support came from the 18-29, with 65% backing. Notably, residents under age 21 would not be able to place bets if the amendment is passed.
Likely voters aged 30-44 backed sports betting with 59%. Respondents aged 45 and older averaged only around 44% support.
Educational attainment is also correlated with support. Respondents with a four-year college degree or higher backed the measure with roughly 56% support. Those without any post-secondary education only showed 42% backing.
The poll also showed a political divide. Democrats backed sports betting with 58% support compared to only 44% from Republicans.
Missouri sports betting impacts
The poll reaffirms a tight race in the most consequential gambling measure of the 2024 election cycle.
Missouri is the only state considering legal sports betting via a ballot measure this campaign. If passed, it will be the 39th state to approve some form of legal sports betting, and the first to do so this calendar year.
Polling has shown mixed results over the past few months. Supporters are hoping to drive up support in the two major metros to overcome opposition in the state’s rural areas, a dichotomy reaffirmed by the most recent poll.
Though slated for the ballot, a lawsuit threatens to strike the question. A hearing is set for Sept. 5 and the state-mandated deadline for ballot approval is Sept. 10.
The most recent Missouri sports betting poll reaffirms the major demographic group for US sportsbooks: highly educated, upper-income males under age 44 living in metropolitan areas https://t.co/V0uIjIIErl
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) August 30, 2024
If no resolution is reached by Sept. 10, the question would still appear on the ballot but it could be retroactively invalidated, even if garners the majority support required to pass.
DraftKings and FanDuel, the nation’s two largest sportsbooks by market share, have already combined for roughly $10 million in campaign contributions. The state’s major professional sports teams are also driving support.
Assuming it stays on the ballot and is eligible for approval, it remains to be seen if other groups will continue contributing to the “yes” campaign in what could be a close race. Though no formal opposition groups have formed, the lawsuit — and poll — shows opposition to legal sports betting exists in the state.
If approved by voters, DraftKings and FanDuel would be among the sportsbooks expected to launch statewide mobile operations next year. Caesars, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Bally’s, all of which have market access deals with Missouri casinos, would also be projected to launch mobile sportsbooks.
