Missouri Sports Betting Launch Delayed as Emergency Rules Rejected

Missouri’s anticipated entry into the regulated sports betting market has been postponed after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a set of emergency licensing regulations. This decision affects both retail and online wagering operations, as well as gambling boat rules, according to confirmation from the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) to SBC Americas.

Hoskins cited state law in his decision, stating that emergency regulations can only be enacted when an “immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare” exists or if there is a “compelling governmental interest” requiring an expedited rollout.

“This decision does not impact the ongoing efforts to review and update the state’s gaming policies,” Hoskins said. “The Secretary of State’s office will continue to collaborate with stakeholders as it moves forward with the rulemaking procedure.”

Missouri’s Timeline Pushed Closer to NFL Season

Originally, Missouri aimed to launch sports betting by mid-2025, but with the rejection of emergency rules, the MGC now expects an official rollout no earlier than August 30, 2025. This timeline places the launch near the start of the NFL season, which began on September 5, 2024, for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Since the state constitution mandates that regulated wagering must be operational by December 1, licensing applications can only be processed once the regulatory framework is approved. The approval period for operator applications typically takes 60 to 90 days, meaning the launch could occur shortly before or during the NFL season.

Industry experts believe that operators are keen to enter the market before September to maximize engagement. Ryan Butler, senior editor of the sports betting site Covers, noted that, on average, there is a six-to-nine-month gap between regulatory approval and the first wagers being placed. “It also again ties in, you have to have all these different regulations. You have to do licensing because sportsbook apps have to be tested,” Butler explained.

Hoskins’ decision is consistent with his previous stance on sports betting. As a former state senator and A, he has introduced legislation linking the approval of online sports wagering to the legalization of video lottery terminals (VLTs). In previous legislative sessions, he has filibustered bills focused solely on legalizing sports betting when they did not include provisions for VLTs.

Public Approval and Regulatory Framework

Missouri voters expressed for regulated sports wagering in November 2024 when Amendment 2 was narrowly ed with 50.1% of the vote. Nearly 3 million residents participated in the election, with 1,478,651 voting in favor and 1,475,691 opposing the measure.

Under the approved framework, Missouri’s 13 riverboat casinos are eligible to apply for one retail and one online sports betting license. Additionally, the state’s professional sports franchises—including the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues—are permitted to establish sports betting partnerships with a single operator.

Two standalone mobile sports betting licenses will also be available, likely attracting major national operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars. All sports betting revenue in Missouri will be subject to a 10% tax, with proceeds allocated to public education and programs addressing gambling addiction.

Although the delay presents a setback for operators eager to launch in Missouri, state law ensures that regulated betting must be live by December 1, 2025. This provides a firm deadline for stakeholders to finalize the regulatory process and prepare for the state’s official sports betting rollout.

Source:

‘’Setback likely delays Missouri sports betting launch until late August’’, drf.com, February 24, 2025.