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Summary:

The recent legalization of sports betting in Missouri has led to a surge in related advertisements featuring celebrities. One DraftKings ad, starring Kevin Hart, is drawing criticism from Missourians not for the gambling aspect, but for his unusual pronunciation of the state’s name as “Miz-oar-ee.” While there’s a long-standing debate about whether the correct pronunciation is “Miz-zur-uh” or “Miz-zur-ee,” Hart’s version is seen as entirely off-base and has sparked online discussion. While some worry about the impact of sports betting, others are simply focused on Hart getting the state’s name wrong.

News Article:

FOX 2 News: Kevin Hart’s Missouri Pronunciation Sparks Outrage Amid Sports Betting Ad Blitz

MISSOURI (FOX 2) – The floodgates have opened for sports betting in Missouri, and along with it, a wave of commercials featuring celebrity endorsements. But one ad, starring comedian Kevin Hart for DraftKings, is generating controversy, not for promoting gambling, but for mispronouncing the state’s name.

While Missourians have long debated the proper way to say “Missouri” – is it “Miz-zur-uh” or “Miz-zur-ee?” – Hart’s rendition, closer to “Miz-oar-ee,” has struck a nerve. Social media and Reddit threads are buzzing with criticism of the actor’s pronunciation.

“Pronouncing the name of our state like ‘miz-OAR-ee’ – tell me you’re not from Missouri without telling me,” one Reddit user wrote.

Hart isn’t the only celebrity appearing in sports betting ads. Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx are promoting BetMGM, Rob Gronkowski is featured in FanDuel ads, and Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith has supported sports betting legalization. However, it appears they all pronounce the state’s name correctly, unlike Hart.

Whether it’s a genuine mistake or a publicity stunt remains to be seen.

The controversy comes as Missouri grapples with the larger implications of legalized sports betting, including potential tax revenue and the risks of addiction. For many, though, the immediate concern is simply getting Kevin Hart to say “Missouri” correctly. In a state that prides itself on being the “Show Me” state, some viewers are hoping the next commercial includes a pronunciation guide.

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