In 2022, Kansas voters rejected a ballot measure to tighten abortion restrictions or ban the procedure outright, while in 2023, Ohioans amended their state constitution to guarantee the right to abortion and reproductive rights. Nebraska faces dueling abortion rights measures in the upcoming election, with significant out-of-state funding supporting campaigns. The Fairness Project is backing ten initiatives across eight states, with Missouri’s abortion-rights campaign receiving a large portion of its funding.
Missouri is also considering legalizing sports betting through Constitutional Amendment No. 2, with $40.7 million raised from out-of-state corporations like DraftKings and FanDuel. Profits from sports betting have driven outside contributions, as Missouri is the only state with a sports betting question on the ballot. The issue has been contentious among state lawmakers for years due to tax revenue distribution and social impact concerns.
Despite some opposition to legalized sports betting, many see it as a lucrative opportunity, especially for out-of-state gambling interests. The Missouri Gaming Commission, which regulates gambling in the state, is hopeful that legalized sports betting could bring revenue to education. The vote on sports betting in Missouri could be close, with differing opinions on whether it would benefit the state. The influence of outside entities in the gambling industry highlights the potential financial interests at play in Missouri’s ballot initiatives.
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