An institute of higher education is preparing for Missouri’s launch of online sports betting.
The University of Missouri Faculty Council is considering a ban on sports betting for all faculty, staff and students on the school’s sporting events and its online network.
The potential ban would not require legislative approval as it is only a school policy. It has been proposed to protect the well-being of student athletes, faculty and the student body.
“It’s consistent with some policies put in place by other universities, it’s been a point of discussion in NCAA meetings, in the faculty athletics representatives meetings,” said MU Faculty Council Chair Tom Warhover during a meeting addressing sports wagering.
MU’s potential new rule would resemble Purdue University’s policy. Purdue’s ethics and compliance rules prohibit all faculty, staff, students and independent contractors from placing or accepting sports wagers on any Purdue team, student athlete, or contest.
The mandate also applies to all sports wagers placed outside of Purdue’s campus. The school instituted its rules to reduce “ill-gotten gains” and to foster support for athletes.
Xavier University also holds a similar policy as students, faculty, staff, volunteers and contractors who provide services to the school’s athletic department are barred from participating in any sort of wagering even if they are located in a regulated market.
Missouri gears up for sanctioned wagering
UM is preparing for online sports betting as the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) plans to open license applications for operators by May 15, according to the regulator.
The Show-Me State is expected to debut betting in August after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a series of emergency licensing rules causing a delay in the launch.
The rejected rules pertained to retail and online wagering and gambling boat operations.
Missouri was expected to offer regulated sports betting by July 2025. The Show-Me State has a constitutional requirement to launch wagering no later than Dec. 1. It will take the MGC between 60 and 90 days to approve licensing applications once they go live.
