Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- Missouri voters approve sports betting with 51.4% support
- Launch set for fall 2025 with 14 licensed operators
- Pro teams and casinos secure majority of licenses
Quick Brief
Essential Context
Missouri becomes the 38th state to legalize sports betting, following a $17.3 million campaign backed by major sportsbooks and professional sports teams. The measure’s approval ends a six-year legislative stalemate since PASPA’s 2018 repeal.
Core Players
- Missouri Gaming Commission – Regulatory authority
- Professional Teams (Chiefs, Cardinals, Blues, etc.) – Six licenses
- Casino Operators – Six licenses
- BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings – Leading operators
Key Numbers
- 51.4% – Voter approval rate
- $17.3M – Campaign spending
- 14 – Total mobile betting licenses
- Fall 2025 – Projected launch
- 10% – Tax rate on gaming revenue
Full Depth
The Catalyst
Today’s certification by state election officials confirms Amendment 2’s passage after November’s narrow victory. The measure succeeded where six years of legislative attempts failed, driven by a coalition of sports teams and betting operators.
Inside Forces
The successful campaign united Missouri’s professional sports franchises with national betting operators. FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $5.2 million to support the initiative, while local teams provided both funding and promotional support.
Power Dynamics
License distribution heavily favors established stakeholders: six licenses for pro teams, six for casinos, and two “untethered” licenses. This structure creates a controlled market dominated by major players.
Outside Impact
Missouri projects $28.9 million in annual tax revenue from sports betting. Neighboring states Kansas and Illinois have seen combined monthly handles exceeding $1 billion, suggesting strong regional demand.
Future Forces
- Regulatory framework development (Dec 2024 – Spring 2025)
- License application process (Spring – Summer 2025)
- Platform testing and certification (Summer 2025)
- Public launch (Fall 2025)
Data Points
- Nov 5, 2024: Voter approval
- Dec 5, 2024: Official certification
- Dec 1, 2025: Latest possible launch date
- 6.2M: Missouri population
- 21: Legal betting age
