### Final Results: Narrow Victory in Missouri
On November 5, Missouri voters approved a measure to legalize sports betting; however, the official results were only finalized on December 5. The measure passed by the slimmest margin of 0.05%, as confirmed by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. The official certification revealed that Amendment 2 passed by just 2,961 votes out of a total of 2,954,343 ballots.
The initiative was historic in Missouri, marking the most expensive in its history, with both supporters and opponents collectively spending $57 million. Backed primarily by DraftKings and FanDuel, the proposal was spearheaded by Missouri’s professional sports teams to ensure it reached the ballot.
With sports betting now legalized, the Missouri Gaming Commission is tasked with establishing rules and issuing licenses. The law expects legal betting to commence by December 1, 2025. Missouri sports venues and casinos can apply for both retail and digital licenses, while two separate mobile licenses will also be available. Missouri stands out as the only state to legalize sports betting in 2024.
### MGC Imposes Fine on FanDuel
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission fined FanDuel $10,000 on December 5 for allowing three bets totaling $11 on the Boston College men’s basketball games. In Massachusetts, betting on local college teams is banned unless they’re part of a tournament with more than four teams. Even though Boston College entered the NIT tournament, the bets were placed before this was announced.
FanDuel is not the first to be penalized under this rule. In 2023, BetMGM, Penn, and Wynn were similarly fined between $10,000-$20,000 for violating regulations regarding betting on Massachusetts college teams.
### Robinhood Eyes Sports Betting Arena
At its first investor day on December 4, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev announced the company’s interest in exploring the sports betting sector. The proclamation caused immediate ripples on Wall Street, contributing to a dip in shares for DraftKings, Flutter, and Penn Entertainment.
Tenev suggested that Robinhood might enter the gambling industry with a model akin to Kalshi or Polymarket, which centers around trading contracts rather than conventional sports betting. Although no formal announcements have been made, Tenev’s remarks signaled a keen enthusiasm for this venture. Following these hints, Robinhood’s stock saw a 3.5% increase that day.
### Postponement in Sentencing of Mathew Bowyer
The sentencing of Mathew Bowyer, an accused illegal bookmaker, has been rescheduled from February 7 to April 4, 2025, according to the US District Court for the Central District of California. Bowyer admitted guilt in August to charges of illegal sportsbook operations and money laundering and faces up to 18 years in prison. Among his notable clients, Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, faced substantial gambling losses and committed fraud to cover debts.
### Reviving the ‘Redskins’ Logo?
Reports suggest that recent legislation approved funding for the renovation of RFK Stadium, potentially reigniting discussions around the former Redskins logo for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. Although team owner Josh Harris has expressed no interest in reclaiming the name, legislators view the logo’s revival as a way to generate funds for Native American initiatives in sports.
### Bovada’s Withdrawal from Arizona
Bovada ceased operations in Arizona following a cease-and-desist order from the Arizona Department of Gaming on November 8, placing the state on its restricted list alongside 16 other US jurisdictions. According to the department, Bovada’s operations violated multiple state laws, branding it a “felony criminal enterprise.”
### AGA Unveils ‘Keep Your Cool’ in Responsible Gaming
On December 5, the American Gaming Association introduced “Keep Your Cool” as the fifth pillar to its responsible gaming campaign, “Have a Game Plan.” This addition emphasizes maintaining respect and enjoyment while discouraging harassment, complementing the pre-existing tenets: budget-setting, social gaming, understanding odds, and legal play.
### Split Between AGCO and iGO Explained
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario will become distinct entities in 2025, motivated by concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General indicated that separating will enhance iGO’s governance and accountability while promoting growth and agility within the market.
### Dispute Over Proposed Bay Area Casino
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have filed a lawsuit to prevent the construction of a rival casino by the Koi Nation in Sonoma County, which they argue would infringe on their territorial rights and customer base. The legal action challenges the approval given to the Koi Nation for a project on land claimed to be their indigenous homeland.
### Non-Smoking Legislation Efforts in Kansas and Missouri
Efforts to enact non-smoking policies in casinos are advancing in Missouri and Kansas, with legislative proposals being filed ahead of their next sessions. Supported by the Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects group, these measures aim to reflect the preferences of a majority non-smoking population.
### Other Notable Developments
– **Fanatics FanFest** is scheduled for June 20-22, 2025, in New York City, with presale tickets starting on December 8.
– **Accel Entertainment** acquired Fairmount Park, trading as FanDuel Sportsbook & Racetrack in Illinois, marking its expansion in the state’s gaming market.
### In Case You Missed It on iGB
– Discussions on the pros and cons of model iGaming legislation by NCLGS.
– Nevada grants Resorts World an extension regarding a past violation.
– Smaller sports betting platforms begin to exit the US market.
– Appointment of Fernandez as the head of IGT/Everi.
– Approval for Las Vegas Sands’ environmental plan and public commentary opening.
