Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting

Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting

Ballot measure passed by 14,000 votes

Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting - Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 2:22

gambling approved

Missouri voters have officially approved the legalization of sports betting through Amendment 2 which allows for the launch of mobile and retail sportsbooks in the state.

Missouri Sports Betting Key Highlights

Missouri Sports Betting Could Launch in 6 to 12 Months

Following the passage of Amendment 2, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has until December 1, 2025, to roll out sports betting in Missouri. If the state follows similar timelines seen in recent launches, betting could be fully operational by the start of the 2025 football season.

Currently, there’s no specific update on when the MGC will begin issuing licenses or establishing the regulatory framework needed for launch.

Up to 22 Digital Licenses Could Be Available

Missouri’s sports betting market might include as many as 22 digital licenses. Each of the state’s 13 casinos qualifies for a license, along with the state’s seven professional sports teams. Additionally, two standalone licenses may be issued, allowing sportsbooks with no local affiliations or partnerships to launch.

Missouri Sports Teams to Operate Retail Sportsbooks

Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting

Proposed Sports Betting Tax Rate and Revenue Projections

Several details still need to be finalized by the MGC, including the tax rate on sports betting. A 10% tax rate has been proposed, and estimates suggest annual tax revenue could reach up to $29.8 million.

Voters Say No to New Casino

The election outcome wasn’t as favorable for the other gambling initiative on the ballot. Voters rejected Amendment 5, which would have permitted a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks. This marks only the third time since 1980 that Missouri voters have turned down a proposal to expand gambling in the state.

Previous Attempts

Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting, a bill that advanced through the Missouri House of Representatives. If passed, this legislation would have created a regulated sports betting market, allowing both retail and mobile sports betting.

Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting

Despite successfully passing in the House, the bill stalled in the Senate due to limited support from casinos.

Olivia Richardson
Missouri Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting