The results are in: Missouri has become the 39th state to legalize sports betting in the United States, pending no official changes or delays to the amendment. Missouri is all set to take wagers both online and in person, and wagering will begin in the early part of 2025 in the state.

Missouri appears set to join the growing list of US states legalizing sports betting, with unofficial results showing Amendment 2 ahead by more than 2,900 votes. JoDonn Chaney, spokesperson for Jay Ashcroft, the Secretary of State. He confirmed on Tuesday that the current lead for "yes" votes is unlikely to change significantly during the certification process.

Certification timeline and process

As per Chaney, the Secretary of State's office has until December 10 to certify the outcome submitted by Missouri's 116 authorities for the election. However, the process could conclude earlier. "We have no delays in the process," noted Chaney. "The timeline is being followed."

Unofficial results indicate that the measure to legalize sports betting 'will stand.' Once certified, Missouri would become the 39th US state, along with Washington DC, to legalize sports betting. Under Amendment 2, bettors aged 21 and over will be able to place wagers at in-person sportsbooks and mobile gadgets no later than the 1st of December, 2025, which was yesterday.

Initial vote count and recount rules

On November 5, Missouri voters approved Amendment 2 by only a narrow margin. However, the discovery of approximately 10,000 uncounted ballots in Christian County the following day tightened the race, reducing the gap to a few hundred votes.

With all Christian County ballots now included, the "yes" votes maintain a lead exceeding 2,900. While a small number of military ballots may still be pending, Chaney stated they are unlikely to alter the outcome significantly. Under Missouri law, a recount can be triggered if the vote margin between 'yes' and 'no' falls within 0.5%. The current margin allows for a recount if requested.

Opposition unlikely to seek recount

Despite the narrow margin, opposition groups have indicated they do not intend to request a recount. According to published reports, no significant legal challenge is expected. If a recount is sought, the requesting party has seven days from the certification date - until December 17 at the latest - to file the request. From there, the Secretary of State's office would have 20 days to finish the process.

Assuming certification and the absence of a recount, the Missouri Gaming Commission will oversee the licensing process. This will include:

Issuing licenses to sports teams and the state's 13 casinos.

Allowing two other mobile sports betting operators to apply for licenses.

Major national operators like DraftKings and FanDuel are expected to vie for entry into Missouri's sports betting market.

With the expected legalization, Missouri joins the national trend of expanding sports betting access. This move is projected to generate significant revenue for the state and provide a new entertainment avenue for sports enthusiasts. Barring unforeseen delays or challenges, Missouri's journey to legal sports betting demonstrates the growing acceptance of the industry across the United States. By late 2025, sports fans in the state could find themselves placing bets legally for the first time.