Missouri votes yes to legalize sports betting amid team pressure

In a closely contested ballot, Missouri voters approved Amendment 2, which legalizes sports betting for individuals aged 21 and older. This measure was officially confirmed by the Associated Press more than a month after Election Day, having passed with a slim majority of 50.05 percent of the vote. The amendment is significant as it marks Missouri as the 39th state to permit sports betting, according to the American Gaming Association. It is expected to go into effect within 30 days, aiming to establish wagering by December 1, 2025. The proposal came about following a mass signature gathering campaign orchestrated by various professional sports teams in the state, notably led by the St. Louis Cardinals. This grassroots effort highlighted a strong demand among residents for the ability to place bets locally rather than traveling to neighboring states like Kansas and Illinois, where many Missourians attempted to wager over 11 million times since the commencement of the 2024 NFL season. With the passage of Amendment 2, residents will find it more convenient to engage in sports wagering within their home state. In terms of economic implications, the state government projects that the legalization will generate up to $29 million in annual tax revenue due to the taxation of licensed sportsbooks' adjusted gross revenues at a rate of 10 percent. Notably, the revenues will be earmarked for various important state initiatives: funds will support the state’s gaming commission, allocate $5 million towards gambling addiction programs, and directly benefit elementary, secondary, and higher education. This revenue trajectory follows the impressive fiscal year 2024 performance of Missouri's gaming tax, which pulled in over $357 million from the state's 13 casinos. The passage of the amendment was met with significant opposition from groups like Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, which received substantial financial backing from Caesars Entertainment, owning three casinos in the region. They invested heavily in a campaign against the measure but ultimately failed to sway the electorate. In contrast, the coalition supporting Amendment 2, Winning for Missouri Education, garnered nearly $16 million in funding from online betting operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. As sports betting emerges as a more accepted form of entertainment, debates will likely continue especially in the 11 states where it remains illegal, with many looking to Missouri's recent decision as a potential stepping stone toward nationwide acceptance.