The U.S. sports betting market has grown exponentially in recent years, with 38 states and Washington, D.C., now legally operative. While Missouri is next on board, its official start date may be a bit later than anticipated.
Bettors in the Show Me State will likely have to wait until the fall to place their first legal wager following a ruling by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. Hoskins, a longtime proponent of sports betting, recently declined proposed emergency rules that would have allowed sports betting to launch this summer.
While several states, including neighboring Kansas, have used emergency rule procedures to speed up the legislative process, Missouri law only allows for such rulings if there's an "immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare; or the rule is necessary to to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date."
The ruling pushes back Missouri's start date to Aug. 30, instead of the middle of summer. Because of that, sports betting likely won't be available to Missourians until later in the fall - after the start of the 2025-26 NFL season.
"The Commission will proceed with our proposed licensing rules that were filed at the same time and will become effective Aug. 30, 2025," the Missouri Gaming Commission said in a statement to St. Louis Public Radio.
"In the meantime, Commission staff will continue working to ensure we meet the constitutionally required start date of sports wagering not later than Dec. 1, 2025."
U.S. sports betting revenue hit a record $13.7 billion in 2024, with 95% of the wagers placed online. This has created a lot of anticipation for Missouri, whose population is approximately 6.2 million.
Amendment 2, narrowly approved by Missouri voters last November, allows for online betting and in-person wagering at the state's 13 casinos. Additionally, the state's six professional sports teams - the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis City SC, and Kansas City Current - will be allowed to establish brick-and-mortar locations near their stadiums. A few mobile licenses will also be offered to major operators.
The state has called for a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, with proceeds earmarked for public education, problem gambling research, and treatment programs for gambling addictions.
Hoskins, a former Republican senator who was sworn in last month to succeed Jay Ashcroft, has repeatedly been an obstacle in Missouri's efforts. As a member of the Senate, Hoskins tried to pair sports betting with legalized video gambling machines found in gas stations.
The proposed rules will be published in the Missouri Register next month, followed by a 30-day comment period. At the conclusion of that period, the state's gaming commission will respond to public questions with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
Despite the later-than-expected start, Hoskins said it is important for the public to "have its voice heard, and it's crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open.
He added: "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."
Doug Bonjour
