Missouri Sports Betting Amendment Uncertain

The fate of Amendment 2, a measure to legalize retail and digital sports betting across Missouri, remains uncertain weeks after the November 5 vote. Early indications suggested its passage, but slim margins and late-reported results have raised questions about its outcome. While multiple media outlets and the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) declared victory for the amendment, certified tallies and Missouri’s recount laws may extend the drama.

 

Disputed Results and a Slim Margin

As of November 19, Missouri’s secretary of state reported 1,468,306 votes in favor of Amendment 2 and 1,463,940 against—a margin of just 4,366 votes. This difference, falling within the legal threshold of less than one-half of 1% of total votes cast, opens the door for a recount request. The recount possibility is fueled by irregularities, such as a late-reported addition of 10,000 votes in Christian County, which is located in southwest Missouri near Springfield.

Christian County certified its vote count showing a substantial 10,365-vote margin against Amendment 2 (30,320 “no” versus 19,955 “yes”), casting further doubt on the reported statewide victory. If the late-reported votes impact statewide results, the difference could shrink further, potentially shifting the amendment’s fate. Adding to the complexity, all counties were required to certify their results by November 19, meaning the state now has a definitive vote count. However, the discrepancies in Christian County and the razor-thin margin statewide suggest that this may not be the final word. With recount requests permitted under Missouri law in cases where margins are less than one-half of 1%, the uncertainty surrounding Amendment 2 is likely to linger for weeks.

Amendment 2’s journey to the ballot was spearheaded by Missouri’s professional sports teams, led by St. Louis Cardinals CEO Bill DeWitt II. Frustrated by legislative delays, the teams pushed for direct voter approval. Supporters, including digital operators DraftKings and FanDuel, invested heavily in the campaign, contributing over $40 million to promote the measure.

Opposition was minimal but notable. Caesars Entertainment, which owns three casinos in Missouri, briefly challenged the amendment due to concerns over licensing. The amendment appears to allow only one digital skin per casino company rather than per casino location. This would disadvantage companies like Caesars and Penn Entertainment, each operating multiple Missouri casinos. However, Caesars ended its opposition campaign in mid-October, leaving proponents largely unchallenged in the final weeks.

 

Implications for Missouri’s Gaming Landscape

If Amendment 2 is confirmed, it will mark a significant shift for Missouri’s gaming industry. Legalized sports betting could generate millions in tax revenue annually, benefiting state and local governments. Proponents argue it would also provide a boost to Missouri’s professional sports teams, allowing fans to engage more directly through betting platforms integrated with team partnerships.

However, the tight margin may lead to implementation challenges, particularly concerning licensing. Questions about whether casinos can have one digital license per company or per location will likely spark debates between operators and regulators. These unresolved issues could delay the rollout of sports betting in the state.

Conversely, if a recount overturns the result, Missouri will remain one of the few states without legalized sports betting. This would be a significant blow to proponents who have already spent years—and millions of dollars—lobbying for legalization. It would also leave the state at a competitive disadvantage compared to its neighbors, many of which have already embraced sports betting.

 

With the margin so slim, a recount could be requested, keeping the outcome of Amendment 2 in doubt.

 

What’s Next?

Even if Amendment 2 ultimately prevails, the razor-thin margin highlights its contentious nature. Missouri law allows any ballot measure defeated by less than one-half of 1% of votes to request a recount, but no clear “defeated” party appears poised to challenge the result.

For proponents like the Sports Betting Alliance and digital operators, a confirmed victory would open the door to lucrative new markets in Missouri. However, the narrow passage could embolden opponents or trigger delays in implementing the framework. Conversely, if a recount overturns the result, Missouri would remain one of the few states without legalized sports betting, despite strong industry backing.

As the state waits for a final resolution, the situation underscores the high stakes of sports betting legalization, where massive investments and narrow votes shape the future of gaming in the region. Whether Amendment 2’s passage holds or not, the debate has spotlighted Missouri as a battleground for the evolving sports betting landscape.