Amendment 5 in Missouri: Lottery Law in MO Explained

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Amendment 5 is the legislation that made Missouri lottery games legal back in 1984. Here, BetMissouri.com breaks down everything you need to know about Amendment 5, also known as the State Lottery Measure. 

Amendment 5 Missouri: Quick Facts

Amendment 5 was the ballot initiative that amended the Missouri Constitution allowing for legal lottery games in the state. Here are the quick facts on Amendment 5:

📄 Full Bill Text:Amendment 5
📆 Year Passed:1984
💰 License Fees:$75 Application; $50 Renewal
🏛️ Lottery Regulator:Missouri Lottery Commission
📆 Last Verified:March 14, 2025

Below, we expand on all there is to know about Missouri Amendment 5 (1984), one of the many MO gambling laws

Lottery License Fees in Missouri

Applicants for lottery licenses in the Show-Me State must pay a $75 application fee, and there's a $50 fee for annual renewals. It typically takes applicants 7-14 business days to receive licensure. 

Lottery Regulator

The Missouri Lottery Commission is the lottery regulator for the Show-Me State. That encompasses the licensing of retailers and the regulation of lottery games in the state. 

What is Amendment 5 in Missouri?

Missouri's Amendment 5, also known as the State Lottery Measure of 1984, authorized the formation of a state lottery. The lottery began selling tickets two years later in 1986. 

The lottery generated more than $1 billion in sales in 2024 and offers a variety of draw-based and instant games including popular jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions. 

Did Amendment 5 Pass in Missouri?

Yes, Amendment 5 passed in Missouri. The passage of this law allowed the operation of legal lottery games in the state. 

This was one of the earliest laws to pass in MO, while the most recent was the legalization of Missouri sportsbooks which took place in 2024. 

When was Amendment 5 Passed?

Amendment 5 was passed on November 6, 1984 by a margin of nearly 70%.

This law was actually passed the same day as Amendment 7 MO, the law that made horse racing legal. 

Amendment 5 Missouri FAQ

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