Missouri Legalizes Sports Betting
Residents of Missouri voted in favor of legalizing sports betting during the November 5, 2024, referendum, approving Amendment 2 with a narrow majority of 50.05%. While this regulation has the potential to transform the state’s gambling market, its implementation still requires significant preparation.
Key Provisions of Amendment 2
The constitutional amendment allows the introduction of sports betting within Missouri’s borders. The decision was passed by a slim margin of just 2,934 votes, underscoring how divided voters were on the issue.
Although the change took effect immediately upon approval, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) must establish regulations and begin licensing operators before the market can officially launch.
The regulator has announced plans to draft rules and commence the licensing process, with sports betting expected to be operational by late spring or early summer 2025. This timeline is well ahead of the amendment’s ultimate deadline of December 1, 2025.
Procedural Challenges
The close results triggered the potential for a vote recount, as Missouri law permits recounts when the margin is less than 0.5% of total votes cast. However, neither side of the campaign has filed a formal request for a recount.
Missouri joins the ranks of states that have already legalized sports betting. In comparable cases, it has typically taken 6 to 12 months to launch the market, offering an optimistic timeline for Missouri regulators.
Legalizing sports betting opens new opportunities for both operators and the state budget. Tax revenue from sports betting is projected to significantly bolster public funds, potentially benefiting education and infrastructure projects across Missouri.
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