Missouri Voters Approve Legalized Sports Betting, Clearing Path for New Market

by David Burke November 6th 2024, 16:04 PST

Missouri has officially joined the list of states where sports betting is legal, as voters approved Amendment 2, allowing both mobile and retail sports betting options.

This proposed amendment to Missouri’s constitution legalized sports betting for people age 21 and older. A 10% tax will be imposed on betting revenues, with proceeds to go to education and compulsive gambling programs.
The official ballot language:
Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

• allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering including online sports betting, gambling boats, professional sports betting districts and mobile licenses to sports betting operators;
• restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21;
• allow license fees prescribed by the Commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses incurred by the Commission and required funding of the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund; and
• allow for the general assembly to enact laws consistent with this amendment?

	Vote %	Vote count
Yes	50.1%	1,469,581
No	49.9%	1,462,665

This landmark decision sets the stage for the launch of sportsbooks across the state.

Launch Timeline: 6 to 12 Months Ahead

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has been given a deadline of December 1, 2025, to establish the framework for sports betting. If timelines mirror other states’ recent launches, Missouri bettors could place wagers as early as the 2025 football season.

Currently, the MGC has yet to announce specific dates for issuing licenses or the final regulatory requirements for launch.

Missouri’s sports betting landscape could see up to 22 digital licenses distributed. All 13 of the state’s casinos are eligible for licenses, along with Missouri’s seven professional sports teams. In addition, two standalone licenses could be issued to independent operators.

Missouri’s professional sports franchises have been vocal supporters of legalized sports betting. Under the new amendment, these teams can set up retail sportsbooks near their stadiums and establish online betting platforms.

The MGC still needs to finalize specifics like the tax rate, though a 10% tax on sports betting revenue has been proposed. Analysts project the state could see up to $29.8 million in annual revenue from sports betting, which could support various state-funded programs.

While voters approved sports betting, they rejected Amendment 5, which sought to allow a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks. This marks the third time since 1980 that Missouri voters have voted against expanding casino gambling.

A Look Back: Previous Efforts to Legalize Sports Betting

The path to legal sports betting in Missouri has seen multiple efforts over the years. In 2022, HB 2502 gained momentum in the Missouri House of Representatives, proposing both mobile and retail sports betting. However, it ultimately stalled in the Senate amid limited support from existing casinos. Had it passed, HB 2502 would have allowed for a regulated market in time for the 2022 NFL season, with riverboat casinos partnering with sportsbooks for in-person betting options.

With Amendment 2 now passed, Missouri’s journey towards legal sports betting enters a new phase. Fans and teams alike are eager for its arrival, bringing both recreational and economic opportunities to the state.

Share Share Tweet Share Email