We’re just two weeks away from Election Day and a referendum on Missouri sports betting. Voters in the Show-Me State will decide the fate of the industry, and there have been plenty of new developments.
Most recently, a major opponent of the Missouri sports betting initiative has cancelled ads. In addition, a Missouri legend appeared in an ad supporting the initiative, which is backed by Winning for Missouri Education.
Anti-Missouri sports betting ads cancelled
The Missouri Independent, a nonprofit newspaper in the state, reported that the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment campaign called off $1.2 million worth of ads. Most times during an election or campaign season, this is a sign of a lack of optimism.
Spokesperson Brooke Foster says the money is being redirected to focus on local-level outreach and conversations. She told the Independent that the race is tightening, which goes against polling released in September that showed increased support for the Missouri sports betting ballot initiative, Amendment 2.
Ozzie Smith supports Amendment 2
Campaign ads are ramping up ahead of Election Day, and it’s not unusual to see celebrity endorsements. Those in Missouri can now see Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith in an advertisement supporting sports betting in the state.
In the ad, the former St. Louis Cardinal says:
“Back in my day, I was the wizard of the infield. Now, I’m a grandfather. That’s why I’m voting ‘yes’ on Amendment 2. It means over $100 million for Missouri schools and teachers, and no more broken promises.”
The commercial was filmed at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals’ home field. The organization’s management, led by chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., is one of the driving forces behind Winning for Missouri Education. Several shots feature Smith talking with the stadium’s big screen showing the URL of the campaign’s website.
The state’s other baseball team, the Kansas City Royals, supports Amendment 2 as well. Winning for Missouri Education’s backers also include FanDuel and DraftKings, which have sent millions in donations to the organization. Such a launch (which would, of course, include Missouri sports betting promos) could come as soon as mid-2025 if Amendment 2 passes on Election Day.
