Missouri Sports Betting Amendment Faces Recount as Margin Tightens

Missouri’s proposed Amendment 2, which would legalize statewide retail and digital sports betting, faces an uncertain future as the race narrows to a margin that may qualify for a recount. Recent certified election results from Christian County have significantly reduced the amendment’s margin of victory. With all 116 election jurisdictions finalizing their counts, the fate of the measure remains unclear.

Christian County’s updated tallies added 9,653 votes, shrinking the statewide margin from 4,363 votes on election night to only 368. This small margin, representing less than 0.03% of the nearly 3 million votes cast, brings the results into the legal range for a recount request, which Missouri law allows for margins within 0.5%.

Election officials must complete final certifications by Dec. 10, after which any recount would proceed. In key jurisdictions like St. Louis and Kansas City, where the amendment garnered strong , updated results are still expected.

Recount Criteria and Historical Context

A recount is not automatic in Missouri; it must be requested by a qualified party. According to JoDonn Chaney, spokesperson for Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, only individuals or groups with a direct interest in the matter can submit a formal recount request. “The law is interpreted to mean only people with a direct interest in the issue can request a recount,” Chaney explained.

Historically, recounts have rarely altered election outcomes. The last statewide recount occurred in 2014, when the “Right to Farm” amendment’s margin narrowed slightly but did not change the result.

Amendment 2 backers, Winning for Missouri Education, remain optimistic. Campaign spokesperson Jack Cardetti noted that provisional and absentee ballots continue to favor the amendment. “The fact that even the provisional ballots are coming in on the net side for us is good,” Cardetti said.

Campaigns and Opposition

Amendment 2 originated after Missouri’s professional sports teams, led by the St. Louis Cardinals, grew frustrated with legislative delays in legalizing sports betting. The campaign received financial backing from major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, which contributed over $40 million to its success.

In contrast, Caesars Entertainment, which initially opposed the measure due to concerns over licensing limitations, spent $15 million on its campaign before halting efforts in October. Their withdrawal left minimal organized opposition to request a recount, though any voter opposed to the measure could theoretically initiate one.

Certification Process and Next Steps

Once county clerks submit their certified results, the Secretary of State’s office will officially certify the final statewide tally by Dec. 10. Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon highlighted the impact of late absentee and provisional ballots in tightening the race. “What we’re seeing is a lot of these made the race tighter,” Lennon explained.

Amendment 2 would permit six professional sports teams in Missouri to establish betting locations near their stadiums. Additionally, the state’s six casino companies would be allowed to operate sportsbooks and digital platforms. The measure includes a 10% tax on sports betting profits, which proponents argue will significantly benefit public education.

As the recount possibility looms, Amendment 2 ers remain vigilant. “We’re watching the votes come in extremely carefully here, but we feel really good about where we’re at,” Cardetti said.

Source:

“Margin on Missouri sports betting amendment narrows as counties tally official results“, missouriindependent.com, Nov. 18, 2024.