In a recent development, Missouri voters have given the green light to a sports betting amendment, paving the way for legal sports wagering in the state. This decision marks a significant milestone for Missouri’s sports enthusiasts and professional teams, including the Chiefs and Royals.
Missouri is set to become the 39th state to legalize sports betting after voters narrowly approved Amendment 2 with 50.1% of the vote. While Amendment 2 will officially become law on December 5, certification could extend to December 10.
The next step involves the Missouri Gaming Commission setting the rules, which could take several months. For example, in Kansas, the law was signed in May 2022, and sports gambling launched on September 1, the same year. So it was about three and a half months.
If Missouri follows a similar timeline, sports betting could be operational just in time for March Madness. For now, all eyes are on the Missouri Gaming Commission to set the final details and get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Path 5s556w
November 2024: Voter Approval
- Missouri voters narrowly approved Amendment 2 with 50.1% of the vote, allowing the legalization of sports betting.
December 5, 2024: Amendment Becomes Law
- Amendment 2 is set to officially become law. However, the certification process could extend to December 10, 2024.
December 2024 – Early 2025: Rulemaking Process
- The Missouri Gaming Commission will begin drafting and setting the rules and regulations for sports betting. This process involves public consultations and stakeholder meetings to ensure a comprehensive framework.
Early 2025: Approval of Regulations
- Once the rules are drafted, they will need to be reviewed and approved. This step is crucial for ensuring that all legal and operational aspects are covered.
Spring 2025: Licensing and Infrastructure Setup
- The Missouri Gaming Commission will start issuing licenses to operators. Concurrently, betting platforms and physical locations will set up the necessary infrastructure to facilitate sports betting.
March 2025: Potential Launch
- If Missouri follows a timeline similar to Kansas, sports betting could be operational by March 2025, just in time for March Madness. This would allow residents to place their first legal sports bets.