By BBBB
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’s pro sports teams have been key advocates for sports betting, and they’ll now be able to establish retail sportsbooks near their stadiums in addition to online platforms.
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
The most recent attempt to legalize sports betting was in 2022 through HB 2502, 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.
The proposed launch date was set for August 28, 2022, just ahead of the NFL season. HB 2502 would have allowed mobile sports betting operators to go live in the state and permitted riverboat casinos—already licensed for casino gaming—to partner with up to three sports betting companies to establish retail sportsbooks on their premises.
Despite successfully passing in the House, the bill stalled in the Senate due to limited support from casinos.
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