Missouri officially became the 39th state to legalize sports betting after state election officials certified the 2024 ballot referendum. Amendment 2 passed by a narrow margin of 50.05%, with 1,478,652 votes in favor versus 1,475,691 opposed - a difference of fewer than 3,000 votes.

The new law will allow both retail and online sports betting across Missouri's 13 casinos and professional sports venues. Key aspects include:

• License costs: $500,000 for online sportsbooks, $250,000 for retail locations
• 10% tax rate on net revenue
• First $5 million in tax revenue goes to Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund
• Remaining tax revenue supports education (K-12 and higher education)
• Two remote online sportsbook permits available, not requiring physical presence
• Allows promotional deductions up to 25% of monthly revenue

The state expects $11.75 million in immediate revenue from licensing fees, offsetting the $660,000 startup costs and $5.2 million annual regulatory expenses. Annual tax revenue is projected between $0 to $28.9 million.

Missouri joins seven of its eight neighboring states with legal sports betting, with Oklahoma being the only bordering state still prohibiting it. The campaign saw significant investment, with DraftKings and FanDuel contributing $41 million in support, while Caesars Entertainment spent $14 million opposing the measure.

Implementation will begin after the Missouri Gaming Commission establishes regulatory framework, with operations expected to launch next year. This development particularly benefits Missouri's sports-focused population of 6.2 million people, who support six professional franchises in Kansas City and St. Louis.

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