Gambling giant FanDuel has contributed $5 million to the Winning for Missouri Education committee, after a $5 million donation made by DraftKings just less than a week ago.
Since January, the companies have collectively contributed about $20 million to support the group, which is pushing to persuade Missouri voters to approve Amendment 2 in November. In a recent poll, 52 percent of respondents said they would vote yes.
The Winning for Missouri Education group argues that sports betting could generate substantial tax revenue for public education in the state. Research company Eilers & Krejcik Gaming released a report this week showing that the market could generate $4.7 million in taxes in the first year.
Meanwhile, the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment coalition has launched a campaign to persuade voters to take the other side. Gambling giant Caesars Entertainment donated $4 million to MADOGA this month, but has not made a comment on the donation. The amendment would grant the operator one sports betting license.
If the measure passes, the Missouri Gaming Commission would regulate online and retail sportsbooks in the state. Thirty eight states and Washington, D.C., offer some form of lregulated sports betting.
