In a significant shift for the Show Me State, Missouri voters have narrowly approved an amendment to legalize sports betting, making it the 39th state in the U.S. to embrace this popular leisure activity. The announcement came following a tense election day where the results revealed that just over 50% of the ballots cast were in favor of Amendment 2, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
The Vote and Its Implications
Out of a staggering 2,932,246 ballots, only a slim margin of 4,366 votes separated proponents from opponents of the amendment. Bill DeWitt, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, expressed gratitude for the support shown by Missourians, highlighting the critical role of sports fans in this historic vote. “Missouri has some of the best sports fans in the world, and they showed up big for their favorite teams,” DeWitt noted in a statement to ABC 17 News.
The approval of Amendment 2 not only signifies a new era in sports entertainment for Missouri residents but also opens the door for a new, dedicated revenue stream for education within the state. Revenue generated from sports betting will contribute directly to Missouri classrooms, ensuring that funds stay within the state rather than flowing to neighboring regions where sports betting is already legal.
Opponents Consider Recount Options
The narrow victory for Amendment 2 has prompted some dissenters to consider a recount. Under Missouri law, a recount can be requested if the margin of defeat is less than one percent. Any request must be filed within seven days following the election’s certification and should be completed within 20 days. However, despite their eligibility to request a recount, the group Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment has already stated they do not plan to pursue this option.
Brooke Foster, spokesperson for the opposition group, expressed gratitude to their supporters while congratulating the proponents of Amendment 2. Their campaign raised over $14 million, primarily backed by casinos and hotels aiming to protect their interests in the gaming arena.
Steps to Implementation
With the measure poised to move forward, it will take time for sportsbooks to establish their operations. Amendment 2 directs the Missouri Gaming Commission to ensure sports betting platforms are operational by December 1, 2025, giving the state ample time to create a robust regulatory framework. Bettors in Missouri will need to be 21 years old to legally place a wager.
Each of Missouri’s 13 casinos and six professional sports teams can apply for a license to provide in-person and mobile betting services. Additionally, there will be two mobile licenses available that are “untethered,” meaning they are not tied to a specific physical location. With significant investments from leading betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel into the pro-Amendment campaign, these firms are expected to be strong contenders for the untethered licenses.
Licensing and Financial Aspects
The approval of Amendment 2 outlines the financial framework under which this new business will operate. Retail sportsbook licenses will be capped at $250,000, while mobile licenses will cost no more than $500,000. The revenues collected from these licenses will initially cover the operational expenses of the Missouri Gaming Commission, with remaining funds allocated to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund.
The establishment of sports betting in Missouri presents opportunities for economic growth, educational funding, and increased tax revenue from a market that has surged across the nation. As neighboring states continue to report substantial gains from legalized sports wagering, Missouri’s decision to enter the market may also deter residents from seeking gambling options outside their state lines.
Conclusion
The passage of Amendment 2 marks a new chapter in Missouri’s legislative and recreational landscape. As state officials begin to lay the groundwork for this budding industry, both supporters and skeptics will be closely watching how it unfolds. The potential benefits—ranging from increased tax revenue to enhanced funding for education—could profoundly shape Missouri’s future. With implementation on the horizon, the Show Me State is poised to embrace the thrilling world of sports betting, satisfying an eager fan base and enhancing the landscape of entertainment in Missouri.
