Amendment 2, if passed, will make Missouri the 39th state in the U.S. to give adults the ability to bet on collegiate and professional sports games. If this bill goes through, the state of Missouri will apply a ten percent tax on all bets placed, with five million dollars of that tax revenue going to a fund against gambling addictions, and the rest going into public schools in the first year.

   A report by the Pro-Sports Betting Campaign showed a possibility of 105 million dollars going into K-12 schools within the first five years of the legalization of sports betting in Missouri.

   While some are for the benefits of Amendment 2, some oppose it. Academic studies by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) have shown that as sports gambling has been legalized across states, financial health decreased along with it.

  According to the SSRN and The American Gaming Association, in states after online gambling was legalized, the decrease in credit scores tripled, and low-income gamblers became increasingly irresponsible following policy changes. They also found that in states where online gambling was legal, tax revenue increased, and gambling helpline calls increased along with irresponsible gambling and financial habits.

   According to the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, Amendment 2 does not guarantee any amount of money will be given to the state to fund schools. They also claim that advertisements in favor of Amendment 2 are being funded by out-of-state gambling corporations in an attempt to deceive parents, teachers, and voters.

   While voters are divided on their decision, there are rules and regulations that will be put in place in the event that Amendment 2 is passed to prevent unlawful use of sports betting, which will include bans on advertising to minors, and promoting information on gambling on websites and apps. Furthermore,  people convicted of felonies or gambling offenses cannot run the operations. Background checks will also be run for people and companies applying for a sports betting license, which will ensure that the businesses and operators are following the standards and rules of the industry.

   Amendment 2 will be available for vote on the November 5 ballot. If passed, the start date will be no later than December 1, 2025.