Missouri’s Amendment 2 would make sports betting legal. Here’s what to know

This proposed amendment would:

• Allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering, including online sports betting, gambling boats, professional sports betting districts and mobile licenses to sports betting operators;
• Restrict sports betting to adults over the age of 21 who are physically located in the state;
• Allow license fees prescribed by the Missouri Gaming Commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses sustained by the commission and required funding of the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund;
• Allow for the general assembly to enact laws consistent with this amendment.

According to the ballot measure, state government entities estimate one-time costs of $660,000, ongoing annual costs of at least $5.2 million and initial license fee revenue of $11.75 million. Entities also estimate unknown tax revenue ranging from $0-$28.9 million annually because the proposal allows for deductions against sports gaming revenues. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.

A vote “yes” on Amendment 2 will amend the Missouri Constitution and a vote “no” on Amendment 2 will not amend the Missouri Constitution pertaining to sports betting.