- Missouri’s proposed sports betting launch will be delayed
- The state will likely launch sports betting now in the fall instead of the early summer
- The Missouri Secretary of State rejected the gaming commission’s emergency sports betting rules
Missouri’s proposed sports betting launch will officially have to wait until the fall.
The Missouri Gaming Commission’s proposed emergency sports betting rules and regulations were rejected last week by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.
During his time as a Missouri Senator, Hoskins was one of the key figures in the state to block sports betting legislation for several years.
Emergency Rules Rejected
Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Jan M. Zimmerman today confirmed the emergency rules rejection to Sports Betting Dime. The rules will have to wait to go into effect (if approved) by Aug. 30, which will delay the state’s sports betting launch until sometime after.
Missouri statutorily must launch sports betting by Dec. 1, 2025.
The Missouri Gaming Commission delivered the proposed sports betting rules to the Missouri governor’s office several weeks ago. However, Hoskins determined after a review of the rules they did not meet the specific criteria for Missouri’s emergency rulemaking process and rejected the proposal.
According to Missouri statute, an emergency rule may be proposed on the following condition:
“Finds that an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action or the rule is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date as permitted pursuant to this section.”
Historically, lawmakers have typically approved emergency rules for sports betting to allow a state to stay on track for a desired launch date.
Hoskins did not return a request for comment on the decision.
Early Summer Launch Now Delayed
Missouri sports betting was actually on track to launch much earlier than expected. In January, Zimmerman told Sports Betting Dime that the Show-Me State was hoping to launch sports betting in early summer after the process was moving along faster than anticipated.
The Missouri Gaming Commission, she previously said, is in the advantageous position of being able to survey rules and regulations that have worked in other states, to not be required to “reinvent the wheel” when it comes to launching their own program.
“The Missouri Gaming Commission is working feverishly to get the rules on the books,” Zimmerman told Sports Betting Dime.
Hoskins Has History With Sports Betting
Hoskins, a longtime Missouri Senator and now Missouri’s Secretary of State, has had an interesting history with sports betting legalization.
Since 2022, Hoskins successfully blocked and filibustered any and all attempts to legalize sports betting in the Senate for bills that did not include the legalization of video lottery terminals (VLTs).
Hoskins introduced several pieces of legislation hoping to approve both gaming markets, but when it became obvious there was limited support for VLTs, he successfully blocked several bills that only included sports betting.
It wasn’t until 2024 when a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting was successfully petitioned by state sports franchises and placed on the November general election ballot. Voters narrowly approved the constitutional amendment, by less than 8,000 votes overall, to legalize sports betting.
Missouri Sports Betting Details
Under the sports betting legislation, each professional Missouri sports franchise and land-based casino will be eligible for one retail sports betting license and one online sports betting license each. Each individual team and casino will also be able to partner with up to one online sports betting operator.
In total, the state can see 19 retail sports betting licenses and 21 online sports betting licenses under this framework. The expectation is that the industry’s biggest names, such as FanDuel Missouri and DraftKings Missouri, will be among that 21.
The launch of sports betting in Missouri is facing a delay, much to the disappointment of sports fans and industry stakeholders. Originally set to launch in early 2022, the timeline has been pushed back due to various factors that have hindered the progress of implementing the new gambling regulations.
One of the main reasons for the delay is the complexity of drafting and finalizing the necessary rules and regulations for sports betting in the state. The Missouri Gaming Commission, which oversees gambling activities in the state, has been working diligently to create a framework that will ensure a fair and transparent sports betting market. However, this process has taken longer than anticipated, causing the launch date to be postponed.
Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in delaying the launch of sports betting in Missouri. The pandemic has disrupted many industries and government operations, leading to delays in various projects and initiatives. The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has made it difficult for regulators and stakeholders to move forward with the implementation of sports betting.
Despite the setbacks, there is still optimism that sports betting will eventually launch in Missouri. The state has already legalized sports betting through a ballot measure approved by voters in 2020, and there is strong interest from both operators and consumers in participating in the new market. Once the necessary regulations are finalized and the pandemic is under control, sports betting is expected to launch in Missouri and provide a new source of revenue for the state.
In conclusion, while the launch of sports betting in Missouri may be delayed, there is still hope that it will become a reality in the near future. The regulatory process and external factors have caused setbacks, but stakeholders remain committed to bringing sports betting to the state. Sports fans and industry players can look forward to a vibrant and competitive sports betting market once the launch date is finalized.
