Meramec students react to change in Missouri gambling law
BY: CALEB CARR
Staff
Missouri voters approved amendment 2 in November 2024, with 50.2% of voters supporting the proposal that would legalize sports betting. Since the amendment passed, Missouri has been flooded with advertisements for different betting apps, including BetMGM and DraftKings. The sheer number of advertisements pushed into Missouri made them nearly unavoidable. This all came to a head on Dec. 5, 2025 when the betting apps went live.
Sports betting is, according to Britannica, “one of the most popular forms of gambling because it taps into the passion of sports fans. A bet placed on a race or a game allows fans to prove their knowledge of a sport or to show their loyalty to a particular team or competitor.”
Many Missouri-based sports teams have embraced the introduction of betting apps in the state, including the St. Louis Cardinals, who have established a partnership with the British-founded gambling company Bet365.
The sports industry isn’t the only field that will be reaping the benefits of sports betting; the Missouri Gambling Commission has imposed a 10% tax that will be applied on the adjusted gross revenue of sports betting operators. The 10% tax will not only help give Missouri more revenue, but 10% of the annual tax revenues will go to the Missouri Department of Mental Health to address compulsive gambling.
The initial amount of revenue the state will receive from sports gambling is unclear, but Missouri Gambling Commission Chairman Jan Zimmerman said, “there are some initial estimates of $20 million to $28 million annually.”
Several students at STLCC shared their opinion on sports betting in Missouri.
“In my opinion, sports betting is a way big companies can pump out money, abuse, and gambling addictions. Even though in their advertisements, they provide a number for gambling addiction help, I still think the amount of money that has been spent on advertising sports betting apps is ridiculous,” Saul Rico-Medina said.
Ryleigh Moran, another student, feels similarly. “I do not support gambling by any means other than $1-$10 scratchers,” Moran said.
Gambling is a highly addictive activity similar to alcohol, and according to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), approximately five million Americans meet the criteria for compulsive gambling. The introduction of sports gambling in Missouri concerns many, as it could increase the number of addicts.
With sports betting apps still new to the state, it is too early to see how they will change Missouri.
