This explainer presents both sides based on the measure's text. It does not recommend a vote.
Plain English Summary
Amendment 2 would have made it legal for people to bet money on sports games in Missouri. The state would have created a system to license and regulate businesses that want to offer sports betting, and collected fees from these licenses.
If YES
Sports betting would become legal in Missouri, allowing residents to place bets on professional and college sports
confidence: high
The state would create a licensing system for sportsbooks and betting operators
confidence: high
Missouri would collect revenue from licensing fees paid by sports betting companies
confidence: high
New businesses and jobs related to sports betting could be created in the state
confidence: medium
If NO
Sports betting remains illegal in Missouri under state law
confidence: high
The state does not collect any revenue from sports betting licensing fees
confidence: high
Residents would need to travel to other states to legally bet on sports
confidence: high
Missouri continues to miss out on potential tax revenue that neighboring states collect from sports betting
confidence: medium
Financial impact
The state would have collected licensing fees from sports betting operators, though the exact revenue amount would depend on how many businesses obtained licenses and the fee structure established.
TL;DR
This amendment would have legalized sports betting in Missouri and allowed the state to collect fees from licensed betting operators.
Limitations
Based on measure title only — full text analysis may reveal additional details