As Missouri legalizes sports gaming, Cards President wants ‘an environment that is geared towards sports betting’ in Ballpark Village

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said as election results came in, it felt like a baseball game, with the “yes” campaign starting slow, taking a lead, and then hanging on as margins narrowed.

“They voted and barely, we won,” said Bill DeWitt III.

Eventually, the amendment was added to the Missouri Constitution by about a 15th of a percentage point.

Now, he’s eyeing the future.

“Create an environment that is geared towards sports betting,” said DeWitt.

Amendment 2 will allow anyone over 21 years old in Missouri to place sports wagers, either at casinos or on mobile devices.

The amendment also allows pro sports teams to create “sports districts” in and around their venues. While the team continues to look for a sportsbook sponsor, plans are not certain.

“We wouldn’t do it in Busch Stadium, but we could do it in Ballpark Village,” said DeWitt.

Experts believe most bets will be made on people’s phones, and soon it can happen during games.

At the Enterprise Center, fans have mixed reactions to that possibility.

“I plan on doing it, it’ll be interesting and fun. Chance to make a little money while watching the game or lose a little money,” said Dave Humphrey.

“Not a big fan. I think it’s like other addictions that at times can go down paths folks don’t need to go down,” said Lou Johnson.

As for Blues leadership, they’re excited for more opportunities for fans.

“We do know there is a large percentage of our fans that want it,” said Steve Chapman, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer with the St. Louis Blues.

Chapman says sports betting will allow fans to engage more with the games.

“A small bet might make it more interesting,” said Chapman.

He added that they’ve been in talks with sportsbook companies and will consult with teams in states where sports betting is already legal to learn what worked and what didn’t.

“We’d be foolish not to learn from that, right?” said Chapman.

While DeWitt is pleased fans can bet on their phones during games, he wants them to focus on the games themselves, not their screens.

“I think if there’s a ton of people on their phones at a game at Busch Stadium, we’re probably not doing a great job in our gameday experience,” said DeWitt.

While the “no” campaign could have asked for a recount, a spokesperson said they’re not going to request one.

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