Missouri voters have approved a sports betting measure, making the state the latest to legalize gambling on sports. The measure barely passed with 50.05% support in the November election. While the amendment is now in effect, betting won’t begin immediately as state regulators work on drafting rules and applications for sportsbooks. The target launch date for sports betting in Missouri is late spring or early summer of next year. The initiative will allow each of the state’s casinos and professional sports teams to offer on-site and mobile sports betting, with a 10% tax on sports betting revenue.
The $43 million supportive campaign, funded mostly by DraftKings and FanDuel, received additional funds from the state’s major professional sports teams. St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III emphasized the benefits of sports betting in engaging with fans and keeping revenue in the state. The opposition campaign, funded by Caesars Entertainment, failed to prevent the measure from passing. Missouri joins 38 other states and Washington, D.C. in allowing sports betting, with the initiative aiming to support problem gambling programs and education funding.
This victory for sports betting advocates in Missouri comes after failed attempts to legalize sports betting through the state Senate. While most states have legalized sports betting, some, like California and Texas, continue to prohibit it. Despite the high cost of campaigns in these states, the push for legalization has not succeeded. Missouri’s move to legalize sports betting reflects a growing trend across the country, with more states opening up to this form of gambling.
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