Amendment 7 Missouri: Quick Facts
Amendment 7 was a ballot initiative that amended the Missouri Constitution to allow for legal pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. Here are the quick facts on Amendment 7:
| 📄 Full Bill Text: | Amendment 7 |
| 📆 Year Passed: | 1984 |
| 🐎 Licensed Facilities: | None |
| 💰 License Fees: | $200,000-$500,000 |
| 🏛️ Horse Racing Regulator: | Missouri Horse Racing Commission |
| 📆 Last Verified: | March 25, 2025 |
Read on below as we expand on all there is to know about Missouri Amendment 7 (1984), one of several gambling laws in MO.
Horse Racing License Fees in Missouri
Amendment 7 dictates that horse racing license fees will cost anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 "until proceeds from wagering are realized." There aren't any legal racetracks in the state just yet, so there aren't any active licenses.
Horse Racing Regulator
Amendment 7 establishes the Missouri Horse Racing Commission as the horse racing regulator for the Show-Me State. That includes the licensing and regulation of pari-mutuel wagering on horse races in the state.
What is Amendment 7 in Missouri?
Missouri's Amendment 7, commonly referred to as the Horse Racing Commission Initiative of 1984, authorized pari-mutuel wagering on horse races and established the Missouri Horse Racing Commission. this law also allows for counties to ban wagering on horses.
Currently, there are no active or legal racetracks in the state and off-track betting is not allowed, though online horse racing betting exists in a legal gray area with some advance deposit wagering sites existing from time-to-time.
That could change as Missouri betting apps will soon be legal, and horse racing apps have typically been found alongside wagering apps in other states.
Did Amendment 7 Pass in Missouri?
Yes, Amendment 7 passed in Missouri. The passage of this legislation allowed the operation of legal horse racing in the state.
When was Amendment 7 Passed?
Amendment 7 was passed on November 6, 1984 by a margin of just over 60%.
While this opened up the possibility of horse racing in the state, there are no legal racetracks in Missouri at this time.
Until that changes, the next closest form of wagering that's expected to go live in the state is Missouri sports betting, expected to launch sometime in 2025.
Amendment 7 Missouri FAQ
Amendment 7 is the legislation to allow for legal pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. This also established the Missouri Horse Racing Commission as the regulator for horse racing and allows counties to ban wagering on horses if they choose.
Yes, Amendment 7 passed in Missouri on November 6, 1984.
Author
Blake Weishaar an experienced writer and editor, with nearly a decade of experience in the gambling industry, formerly covering the investing side. He serves as content strategist and fact-checker for BetMissouri.com and is committed to ensuring readers have the most up-to-date and correct information about Missouri's sports betting market.Outside of providing his industry expertise for BetMissouri.com, Blake enjoys spending time with his wife and son, going for PRs on bench and hitting the links. Being a two-sport collegiate athlete, Blake continues to pursue an active lifestyle by playing golf, volleyball and soccer. Speaking of sports, he's a huge supporter of the Ravens, Orioles and Capitals!
