- Kevin Hart’s DraftKings commercials use a distinct pronunciation of “Missouri” that many residents say sounds wrong.
- Social media users and Reddit threads criticized Hart’s “Miz-oar-ee” delivery, reigniting a long-running local debate.
- Other celebrity betting ads (Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx) drew less ire; critics question marketing tactics and the flood of sports-betting ads.
H2: What Kevin Hart said — and why Missourians reacted
Comedian and DraftKings spokesperson Kevin Hart pronounces “Missouri” in recent television spots in a way many viewers called “Miz-oar-ee.” The pronunciation appears in multiple ads promoting sports betting now live in the state. Clips and comments circulated online quickly, with Missourians taking to Reddit, Facebook and other platforms to voice amusement and annoyance.
Embedded posts:
- Facebook video: https://www.facebook.com/hartkevin/videos/4174347389546665/
- Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/missouri/comments/1of0nis/
H3: The long-running Missouri pronunciation debate
Missourians have debated the correct way to say the state name for decades. Two common local variants are “Miz-zur-uh” and “Miz-zur-ee.” The argument is mostly light-hearted but deeply local — people often judge whether someone is from the state by the way they pronounce it.
Hart’s rendition — closer to “Miz-oar-ee” — diverges from both classic versions. That difference, more than any legal or political point, fueled much of the online reaction.
H3: Why this ad drew more heat than others
Celebrities frequently appear in sports-betting ads. Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx have promoted BetMGM, while Rob Gronkowski appears in FanDuel spots. In Missouri, local figures like former Cardinals star Ozzie Smith have also been involved in messaging around legalization.
Many observers say Hart stands out because of the pronunciation alone. Some online posts suggested the unusual delivery might be a deliberate marketing ploy to get people talking. Others saw it as a simple flub. Either way, the ads succeeded at sparking conversation.
H4: Bigger debate — advertising and sports betting
Beyond pronunciation, residents express broader concerns about the recent surge of sports-betting advertising. Supporters point to new tax revenue and regulated wagering. Critics warn of gambling addiction and the potential harm to vulnerable groups, especially with heavy advertising exposure.
For some viewers, though, the current controversy remains about the state name. Social posts ranged from jokes about dialect to sharper takes about authenticity.
H5: What happens next
DraftKings has not issued a public statement about the pronunciation. The debate still seems rooted in local identity and online culture as much as in the ad itself. Whether advertisers will adjust their delivery remains to be seen — but for now, Missourians are talking.
As the ads continue, the conversation will likely move between serious policy concerns about gambling and the lighter, ongoing question of how to say the state’s name. For many viewers, Kevin Hart’s version simply added a new twist to an old argument.
Image Referance: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/kevin-harts-pronunciation-of-missouri-sparks-backlash/
