Missouri voters have made a decision on two key gambling-related measures in the state. The first measure, Amendment 2, which aimed to legalize sports betting, received approval by a narrow margin. With 50.23% of voters supporting the amendment, Missouri is set to become the only state this year to legalize sports wagering. This decision was backed by the state’s pro-sports teams, most casino operators, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Despite some opposition, particularly from Caesars Entertainment, online sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel will be able to operate in Missouri without a partnership with a local casino.
The amendment allows each of Missouri’s 13 licensed casinos to offer retail sports betting on-site and through a mobile platform. Additionally, the state’s six major professional sports teams will have the opportunity to provide land-based sports betting near their stadiums and through a mobile app. Two licenses will also be available for online sportsbooks without ties to a casino or sports team.
On the other hand, the second measure, Amendment 5, which sought to create a new casino license for the Lake of the Ozarks, did not pass. This amendment would have allowed for the construction of a casino on or near artificial bodies of water, rather than just along rivers as currently permitted by the state constitution. The proposal was supported by Bally’s Corp and the Osage River Gaming and Convention Committee (OGCC), but faced opposition from the Osage Nation, which aims to build Missouri’s first tribal casino in the area.
While there may be some uncertainty surrounding the results of Amendment 2, the rejection of Amendment 5 is clear. As the state prepares to enter the world of legalized sports betting, the fate of a new casino at the Lake of the Ozarks remains uncertain. The decision to reject the casino measure has implications for various stakeholders, including competing casino operators, tribal interests, and local communities.
As Missouri moves forward with the implementation of sports betting, the impact of these decisions on the state’s economy, tourism, and overall gambling landscape will be closely watched. The regulatory framework for sports betting, including licensing, taxation, and responsible gaming measures, will need to be established to ensure a smooth and successful rollout of this new form of gambling in the state.
