Missouri has voted a reluctant 'yes' to sports betting, making it the latest in a growing list of US states to do so. The results are still unofficial, but the votes for sports betting stood at 50.128% while the votes against sports betting were at 49.782% - a thin line. This is just in time for the Superbowl, and it makes Missouri the 39th state to allow sports wagering.

In a closely watched and narrowly decided vote, Missouri residents have approved the legalization of sports betting. According to results released by the Secretary of State's office, with all 3,572 precincts reporting, the 'yes' votes narrowly edged out the 'no' votes, totaling 1,469,866 in favor (50.128%) against 1,462,380 opposed (49.872%).

Missouri votes divided by a slim margin

The decision, pending final certification by Jay Ashcroft, the Secretary of State, is expected to allow both in-person and online sports betting for adults 21 and older starting no later than the 1st of December, 2025. JoDonn Chaney, a spokesperson for Ashcroft, stated that the certification process, which involves a review by 116 local election authorities, is scheduled for completion by December 9. This certification will formally pave the way for legal sports betting in Missouri.

Once certified, the Missouri Gaming Commission will be granted authority to license sports betting operators, including the state's prominent sports teams along with 13 existing casinos. The measure, officially designated as Amendment 2, was strongly backed by professional sports franchises, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Current, and St. Louis City. Major sports betting operators, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, also played a significant role, contributing substantial funds to the campaign supporting Amendment 2.

The Missouri Gaming Commission will oversee the licensing of two more mobile sports betting companies beyond those connected to existing casinos and sports franchises. This setup will allow casinos and teams to provide both in-person and online sports betting options for fans and bettors across the state.

Potential start date in time for major sporting events

Despite the formal launch deadline of December 1, 2025, it remains uncertain when Missouri's Gaming Commission will officially approve sportsbook operators to begin accepting bets. Industry analysts speculate that regulators might aim to expedite licensing to coincide with high-interest events like March Madness and the Super Bowl, both of which drive significant betting activity nationwide. The 2025 Super Bowl, scheduled for February 9 at the New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, could be an ideal kickoff event for Missouri's newly legalized market if regulators work swiftly.

Following closely, the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - famously known as March Madness - begins with Selection Sunday on March 16. With rounds scheduled through April, this tournament is another major opportunity for sports betting operators to launch with a bang, should Missouri's regulatory process align in time.

Missouri joins growing number of legalized betting states

With the passage of Amendment 2, Missouri is poised to become the 39th state to legalize sports betting. In the Midwest, Missouri will join neighboring states like Illinois, Kansas, and Nebraska, which have already implemented various forms of legalized betting. Oklahoma remains the only state beside Missouri without a legalized betting framework.

In the broader landscape, Missouri's entry into sports betting adds another state to the growing list within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) footprint. However, a significant number of SEC states, including Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, continue to restrict sports betting. Notably, Texas, the second-most populous state and an SEC member, has yet to pass legislation allowing sports betting.

In addition to Missouri, SEC states that permit sports betting include Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, offering in-person, mobile, or both types of betting options. The decision in Missouri may further prompt other SEC states to re-evaluate their stance as the demand for legal sports betting continues to expand across the US.

Missouri's step toward legalization is expected to bring a significant economic impact. The entry of major commercial operators like FanDuel and DraftKings is likely to create job opportunities and contribute substantial tax revenue to the state. Missouri's casinos and sports teams are already gearing up to integrate sports betting offerings, which are projected to attract fans and visitors, further stimulating local economies.