In a historic decision, Missouri voters have approved Amendment 2, making sports betting legal across the state. The measure, passed by just 0.256%, represents Missouri’s entry as the 39th state in the U.S. to legalize this form of gambling. The Secretary of State’s office reported a tight margin, with only 7,486 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast separating approval from rejection. Although the amendment passed narrowly, the opposition group Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment has confirmed they will not seek a recount, even though Missouri law allows recounts for margins under 0.5%.
The push to legalize sports betting in Missouri has been fueled by neighboring states like Illinois and Kansas, which have already embraced regulated sports wagering. Following final certification, expected by December 10, Amendment 2 will take effect 30 days after the election. The Missouri Gaming Commission has until December 1, 2025, to establish licensed sports betting platforms statewide, allowing residents to bet both at casinos and via mobile apps.
What Amendment 2 Means for Sports Betting in Missouri
The passage of Amendment 2 opens up several betting options across Missouri. Once the market launches, residents will have access to both retail and online sports betting platforms. Professional sports teams in Missouri, including the Cardinals, Royals, and Chiefs, will be authorized to set up physical betting locations near their stadiums and offer branded mobile betting options.
Additionally, casinos in the state will be able to host sportsbooks on-site, with each casino eligible for an online sports betting license. Two additional online licenses will be available for platforms independent of casinos or sports teams, paving the way for major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.
Missouri will join Kansas in taxing adjusted gross gaming revenue from sports betting at 10%, a comparatively low rate among states with legalized sports wagering. This tax will support the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and a portion will fund the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund to help those affected by gambling addiction. However, the amendment’s approval as a constitutional measure makes any future tax rate adjustments challenging, as changes would require another statewide vote.
Proponents of Amendment 2 believe sports betting will contribute much-needed revenue to Missouri’s education budget. According to the Winning for Missouri Education campaign, which received over $14 million in backing from FanDuel and DraftKings, sports betting could generate over $100 million in new tax revenue within the first five years of legalization. In comparison, Kansas has collected more than $20 million in tax revenue since it launched sports betting in 2022, directing funds toward attracting professional sports teams.
Missouri’s Journey to Legal Sports Betting and Broader Implications
Missouri’s journey to legalized sports betting has been marked by legislative challenges. Despite significant support for legalization in Kansas City and counties like Jackson, Clay, and Platte, efforts repeatedly stalled within the state legislature due to opposition from various interest groups. However, with Amendment 2’s approval, Missouri residents can expect betting options similar to those in surrounding states like Illinois, Iowa, and Tennessee.
Notably, the amendment includes restrictions, such as prohibiting prop bets on college athletes from Missouri-based institutions, which aligns with measures in other states. This stipulation reflects a cautious approach to collegiate sports wagering intended to address ethical and integrity concerns associated with betting on amateur athletes.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) reports that the U.S. sports betting industry reached a record $10.92 billion in revenue in 2023, underscoring the industry’s potential as a revenue source for Missouri. Nevertheless, revenue from sports betting, while valuable, is not anticipated to fully address Missouri’s educational funding needs, with estimates suggesting it may cover only a small fraction of the state’s annual $10 billion education budget.
With more than 35 states permitting some form of sports gambling, Missouri’s approval of Amendment 2 reflects a continued national trend toward legalizing sports betting. However, Oklahoma remains the lone border state holding out against sports betting, further distinguishing Missouri’s choice to capitalize on the industry. This decision also highlights the growing influence of major online gaming operators, with FanDuel and DraftKings spearheading the initiative in Missouri to significant effect.
Missouri’s sports fans can anticipate their first legal bets as early as December 2025, marking a new chapter for the Show-Me State’s gaming landscape.
Source:
“All in: Missouri Voters Pass Amendment 2, Legalize Sports Gambling“, kshb.com, November 6, 2024.