In a dramatic turn of events for the Missouri Sports Betting Industry, the future of legal sports betting in Missouri remains uncertain as the results of the November 2024 election face scrutiny. Amendment 2, a ballot measure aimed at legalizing both retail and online sports betting statewide, appeared to have been approved by voters initially, but discrepancies in vote tallies have cast doubt on the outcome.
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What Happened on Election Day?
Early reports on election night indicated strong support for Amendment 2, with major groups like the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) announcing its passage. However, as votes continued to be counted, significant opposition in certain counties narrowed the margin to the point where the amendment’s approval was no longer a certainty.
Christian County, located near Springfield in southwest Missouri, emerged as a critical battleground. Certified results from the county, dated November 12, revealed a resounding rejection of Amendment 2, with 30,320 votes against and 19,955 votes in favor—a difference of 10,365 votes. This substantial margin has raised concerns about the amendment’s statewide viability.
The Numbers Game
As of November 19, 2024, the Missouri Secretary of State’s office reported a razor-thin margin of just 4,366 votes separating the “yes” and “no” camps. The official count stood at 1,468,306 votes in favor of Amendment 2 and 1,463,940 votes against. This slim margin, within one-half of 1% of total votes cast, triggers the possibility of a recount under Missouri law.
For a deeper dive into how recounts and voting laws impact sports betting legislation, visit our Legal Landscape section for updates.
Recount Possibility
Missouri law allows for a recount in cases where the vote difference is extremely close. In this instance, opponents of Amendment 2 can formally request a recount. Whether a recount will be pursued remains unclear, as key stakeholders have yet to take action.
Key Opposition
Caesars Entertainment, the owner of three casinos in Missouri, was a notable opponent of Amendment 2. While Caesars had initially campaigned against the measure, it ceased its efforts in mid-October. The company’s decision to withdraw active opposition has left questions about whether it will now push for a recount.
What’s at Stake for the Missouri Sports Betting Industry?
Amendment 2 was spearheaded by Missouri’s professional sports teams, led by St. Louis Cardinals CEO Bill DeWitt III, after repeated legislative failures to pass similar measures. DraftKings and FanDuel significantly promoted the amendment, contributing over $40 million to the campaign.
One contentious aspect of the amendment is its allocation of digital sports betting licenses. According to the amendment’s language, each casino company would receive only one digital license, regardless of how many physical locations they operate. This provision could potentially limit major operators like Caesars and Penn Entertainment to a single digital license, despite each owning three casinos in Missouri.
However, the Missouri Gaming Commission has interpreted the amendment differently, stating that each casino location—not each company—would be eligible for its digital license. This interpretation, if upheld, could ease concerns among casino operators.
Want to learn how states regulate digital licenses and their impact on the market? Check out our guide to state-by-state sports betting laws.
What’s Next?
While Missouri voters appeared to approve Amendment 2 on election night, the vote count’s razor-thin margin, coupled with the possibility of a recount, leaves the amendment’s fate hanging in the balance. For now, stakeholders, including proponents like DraftKings and FanDuel, and potential opponents such as Caesars, await clarity on whether a recount will be initiated.
For the latest updates on Missouri’s sports betting journey and similar stories, explore our Sports Betting News section.