Missouri’s debut as America’s newest sports betting market has been delayed.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has rejected a series of emergency licensing rules delaying the launch of regulated online sports betting in the Show-Me State.
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed to SBC Americas that Hoskins has rejected rules that pertain to retail and online wagering and gambling boat operations.
He has rejected the rules as state law mandates that an emergency rule is only warranted if there is “immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare; or the rule is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date.”
“This decision does not impact the ongoing efforts to review and update the state’s gaming policies,” said Hoskins on his rule rejection. “The Secretary of State’s office will continue to collaborate with stakeholders as it moves forward with the rulemaking procedure.”
Missouri was expected to offer regulated wagering by July 2025 but its launch has been “pushed back months,” according to the MGC. The commission has made the decision to proceed with its existing licensing rules that will become effective on Aug. 30.
Missouri has a constitutional requirement to launch wagering no later than Dec. 1. It is also required to only accept licensing applications from operators once rules are approved.
Regulators can take between 60 and 90 days to approve licensing applications pushing the potential launch of sports betting in Missouri back to near the start of the NFL season.
Contentious issue for Hoskins
Hoskins has rejected the emergency rules after previously showcasing his stance on regulated sports betting through his actions as a former state Senator.
In past legislative sessions, the former CPA has introduced measures that only support online sports betting alongside the legalization of video lottery terminals (VLTs).
Hoskins has previously filibustered proposed bills that only aim to authorize sports wagering following a lack of support for his measures that combine both VLTs and betting.
Missouri votes on sports betting
Last November, Missourians were given the opportunity to voice their support or disapproval of sports betting through Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment.
Missourians voted in favor of Amendment 2 allowing the authorization of regulated sports betting in the state. The Missouri Board of State Canvassers certified the voting results with Amendment 2 passing by only 2,961 votes. Nearly 3 million Missouri’s voted in last November’s election with 1,478,651 voting in support of sports betting in the state.
Missouri saw 1,475,691 of its eligible voters take a stance against regulated wagering.
Missouri’s approved framework for sports betting calls for brick-and-mortar casinos in the state to be approved for one retail and one online sports betting license. The state’s professional sports teams can also obtain a license and partner with up to one operator.
Under Missouri’s gaming laws, online sports betting revenue is taxed at a 10% rate.
