- Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins explained his decision to reject emergency sports betting rules
- Hoskins said the proposed sports betting rules did not constitute an emergency
- Public needs to have its say on the proposed rules
Proposed emergency sports betting rules do not actually constitute an emergency, according to Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.
Hoskins explained his decision to reject the Missouri Gaming Commission’s (MGC) proposed emergency sports betting rules in a piece released to the media. With the commission’s deadline of Dec. 1, 2025, to launch sports betting, Hoskins noted the rules did not have to go through the emergency process to go into effect earlier.
“While the Missouri Gaming Commission initially cited a December 1, 2025, deadline as the reason for emergency rulemaking, the reality is that the rules do not meet the criteria for emergency action under RSMo 536.025. As such, the state must move forward with the regular rulemaking process, including a public comment period, review by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), and filing permanent rules,” he wrote.
Sports Betting Launch Delayed Until Fall
The MGC submitted its emergency sports betting rules to the governor’s office several weeks ago, which would have allowed the commission to begin the sports betting licensing process much earlier than expected.
If the emergency rules had been approved, MGC Chairman Jan M. Zimmerman previously told Sports Betting Dime she expected sports betting to launch in the Show Me State by early summer.
However, Hoskins rejected the proposed emergency rules, citing the high threshold required by state statute to actually constitute an emergency.
“The standard rulemaking process is more than capable of achieving the desired outcome within the necessary time frame. In fact, under the proper procedure, the proposed rules could be effective by September 30, 2025—well ahead of the December 1 deadline,” Hoskins wrote.
The rules will now have to go through the standard rulemaking process before going into effect. They will be published in the Missouri Register on March 17, 2025, and the public comment period will run until at least April 17, 2025.
Once public comment is closed, the MGC will have to file responses to public questions with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). Once JCAR reviews the rules, they will be held for an additional 30 days, where they can request changes or hold hearings on the rules.
After going through the public process, the final sports betting rules will be published and incorporated into the Code of State Regulations, with an expected effective date of either Aug. 30 or Sept. 30, 2025.
After the sports betting rules going into effect, it can typically take a state between two to three months to launch sports betting.
Allowing Public to Be Heard
It’s an important process, Hoskins wrote, to allow Missourians to have their voices heard when incorporating the new rules into the state.
“In short, the public deserves to have its voice heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open. By following the standard rulemaking process, Missouri can ensure that the decisions being made are not only legally sound but also informed by the people who will be impacted the most. We cannot afford to rush through this process for the sake of a deadline that can easily be met through standard procedures,” he noted.
The regular rulemaking process is transparent and gives the public a fair opportunity to contribute to the sports betting discussion, he wrote.
The decision made by the Missouri Secretary of State regarding sports betting rules has sparked a lot of interest and discussion among sports enthusiasts and bettors in the state. The rules, which were recently approved by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, outline the regulations and guidelines for sports betting in Missouri.
One of the key aspects of the rules is the requirement for sports betting operators to obtain a license from the state in order to offer their services to residents. This is aimed at ensuring that only reputable and trustworthy operators are allowed to operate in the state, thus protecting consumers from potential fraud and scams.
The rules also outline the types of bets that can be placed, as well as the procedures for resolving disputes between operators and bettors. This is important in order to ensure a fair and transparent betting environment for all parties involved.
Additionally, the rules address issues such as responsible gambling measures, age restrictions, and advertising guidelines. These are all designed to promote responsible gambling practices and protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of excessive gambling.
Overall, the decision made by the Missouri Secretary of State regarding sports betting rules is seen as a positive step towards regulating the industry and ensuring a safe and enjoyable betting experience for all residents. It is hoped that these rules will help to prevent any potential issues or controversies that may arise from unregulated sports betting activities in the state.
