Missouri voters appeared to have approved Amendment 2, legalizing statewide retail and digital sports betting in the state. However, as vote tallies continued to come in, it became uncertain whether the measure had actually passed or if a recount may be requested. The results in Christian County, with a difference of 10,365 votes against Amendment 2, could potentially reverse the outcome.
Even if the amendment is declared a winner, the slim margin of victory may prompt a recount, as the difference of 4,366 votes statewide is within range for a recount to be requested. However, it seems unlikely that a recount will be demanded, especially as the opposition, Caesars Entertainment, had halted its campaign against Amendment 2 in mid-October.
Amendment 2 was pushed for by Missouri’s professional sports teams, who were frustrated with the slow progress in legalizing sports betting through the legislature and took matters into their own hands. Digital operators DraftKings and FanDuel backed the initiative with a significant funding of over $40 million. Caesars, with three casinos in Missouri, initially opposed the amendment due to the limited number of digital licenses available per casino company, but withdrew its opposition shortly before the election.
It is expected that the final vote count will show a victory for Amendment 2 by less than one-half of 1%, with no apparent party willing to contest the result. Caesars Entertainment declined to comment on the situation.
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