Missouri Certifies Election Votes for Sports Betting Legalization

Missouri voters have given the green light to legal sports betting, approving Amendment 2 by a razor-thin margin of 50.05%. With the certification of election results by the Missouri Board of State Canvassers, the state is set to become the 39th in the U.S. to legalize sports betting and the 31st to include online wagering.

The final tally revealed a difference of just 2,961 votes, with 1,478,652 votes in favor and 1,475,691 against. This narrow outcome followed a record-setting $43 million campaign supporting the amendment, largely funded by DraftKings and FanDuel, along with $2 million from Missouri’s six major professional sports teams. In contrast, Caesars Entertainment backed a $14 million opposition effort, primarily focused on concerns over market competition. Amendment 2 was approved by the people when they voted on November 5 but the results needed to be certified by state election officials.

Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals, praised the outcome, stating, “Joining the 38 other states that already allow sports betting will allow us to further engage with our fans, while keeping tens of millions in Missouri for the benefit of our classrooms and communities.”

Implementation Timeline and Industry Framework

While the constitutional amendment is effective immediately, sports betting is unlikely to launch until mid-to-late summer 2025, according to Jan M. Zimmerman, Chair of the Missouri Gaming Commission, cited by the Associated Press. Regulators need time to draft rules, process applications, and ensure compliance before the anticipated rollout, which could align with the start of the football season.

The amendment as proposed in the official ballot measures (pdf) allows Missouri’s casinos and professional sports teams to operate retail and online sports betting platforms. Each entity can partner with an online sportsbook, potentially resulting in up to 19 retail and 21 online licenses. Additionally, the measure grants teams exclusive rights to oversee betting and advertising within 400 yards of their venues.

Missouri will impose a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, significantly lower than the national average of 19% paid by sportsbooks in other states. At least $5 million annually will be allocated to problem gambling programs, with the remaining revenue directed to education at all levels.

Recount Unlikely Despite Tight Margin

Missouri law allows for recount requests if the winning margin is less than 0.5%, as was the case here. However, any recount must be funded privately. Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, the main opposition group, has declined to pursue a recount. In a statement, the group congratulated supporters of the measure and expressed a willingness to collaborate on initiatives benefiting all Missourians.

Amendment 2’s approval reflects a significant shift in Missouri’s gaming landscape, driven by public support and industry investment. With a framework that promises economic benefits and enhanced entertainment options, the state’s sports betting rollout is poised to attract both local and national attention in the coming years.