Tuesday is a busy day across the country, with Americans voting on a variety of different issues. One of the state-specific issues involves Missouri sports betting, which could be legalized once votes are counted in the Show-Me State.
Approval by voters doesn’t mean Missouri sports betting would go live instantly. However, it would open the door for a launch after years of frustration at the legislative level.
How we got here
Missouri sports betting has been a topic of debate in the state’s legislative sessions for several years running. Several surrounding states have launched their own industries in recent years. Most notably, Kansas went live in 2022, and Kentucky launched in 2023.
Missouri’s industry, though, has been stopped largely due to the efforts of one man. Sen. Denny Hoskins believes that any Missouri sports betting legislation should also include language on video lottery terminals, or VLT’s. This is in stark contrast to most of his colleagues, who see the two matters as separate issues.
Multiple bills have gained traction in the state’s House and Senate. However, Hoskins and his allies have used their power to stall them. This includes a 2023 bill initially authored by Hoskins himself, which was altered to include language legalizing Missouri sports betting. Hoskins, though, led an effort to kill that piece of legislation.
Unsurprisingly, Hoskins has been critical of this ballot initiative. He does not believe the proposed 10% tax rate is high enough to provide funding for state initiatives. In a press conference earlier this year, he added his belief that the issue is best sorted out at the legislative level.
When could Missouri sports betting go live?
If Amendment 2 is approved by voters, Missouri sports betting (and, by extension, Missouri sports betting promos) will likely launch in mid-2025. Most states require a runway of at least six months, which would mean a launch in May. Given the popularity of NFL betting and college football betting, we would likely see the industry open its virtual doors in the summer (ahead of those seasons).
There may still be cause for optimism even if Amendment 2 fails, however. Hoskins is term-limited and will not be in his longtime post when the 2025 legislative session kicks off early next year. That’s not a guarantee a MO sports betting measure will pass, but the lack of a longtime obstructionist could certainly make that process easier.
Election Day information for voters
The Missouri Secretary of State website offers guidance and FAQ’s for in-state voters. This includes registration information, the locations of polling places, and what you’ll need to bring when you vote.
Polls close at 7 pm local time. If you’re in line at that point, you have the right to cast a vote.
