Missourians keen to put authorized sports activities bets should wait till December 1, 2025, because the Missouri Gaming Fee (MGC) confirmed the state is not going to meet any earlier launch timeline. Initially hoped to kick off by late summer time, this system’s debut was delayed because of the thorough regulatory and licensing course of required below state legislation.
Based on MGC Chairwoman Jan Zimmerman, the rigorous software and vetting steps merely gained’t permit the system to go dwell any sooner. “It’s our duty to verify all the things is finished proper,” she emphasised in a press release quoted by KSHB 41 Kansas Metropolis. “We might by no means need to not do our due diligence, not solely with sports activities betting however with something we do.”
The timeline now ensures sports activities betting in Missouri will start after the school soccer common season ends and deep into the NFL calendar.
Regulatory Delays Push Timeline Again Months
The rollout was initially anticipated to happen sooner, however confronted a number of regulatory hurdles. Specifically, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the emergency guidelines proposed by the fee, arguing they didn’t meet the brink for pressing motion.
“Based on Missouri State Statute 536.025, the emergency rulemaking course of is reserved for conditions that require rapid actions,” Hoskins acknowledged. “After cautious overview, we decided that the state of affairs doesn’t meet these pressing standards.”
Because of this, the fee proceeded with the common rulemaking course of, requiring public enter and a proper revision interval. The ultimate algorithm is slated to take impact on August 30, after which the state will settle for license purposes till September 12.
License Purposes Underway, With Strict Oversight
The licensing course of formally opened Might 15 and can conclude in phases:
- July 15: Deadline for untethered (unbiased) on-line sportsbook purposes
- August 13: MGC will hear from candidates
- August 15: Two standalone on-line licensees shall be named
- September 12: Ultimate deadline for all different purposes
Below the laws, the state can concern 19 bodily on line casino licenses and as much as 14 on-line sportsbook licenses. Operators can both apply instantly for an internet license or associate with certainly one of Missouri’s six professional sports activities groups or 13 casinos to enter the market.
A number of firms are already aligning for entry. bet365, as an illustration, partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this yr. Underdog Fantasy and BetMGM have additionally confirmed their intent to use, though BetMGM’s entry route stays undecided. Notably, BetMGM already has a sponsorship cope with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Main gamers like DraftKings and FanDuel, who closely invested within the state’s sports activities betting poll initiative, are additionally anticipated to affix the fray, although particular partnerships haven’t been finalized.
Sports activities Betting at Missouri Stadiums Coming Quickly
With the December launch date, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs followers will have the ability to legally wager from inside GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium beginning with their Dec. 7 house sport in opposition to the Houston Texans.
The legislation additionally permits skilled groups just like the Kansas Metropolis Royals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Metropolis SC to host sportsbooks inside their stadiums. Nevertheless, previous traits in different states recommend most bets shall be positioned through cellular apps, not on-site kiosks.
Kansas Metropolis Councilman Wes Rogers emphasised the importance of the laws, particularly as neighboring states like Kansas and Illinois have lengthy benefited from authorized sports activities playing. “We’ve been engaged on this for years,” Rogers mentioned. “The state wants the tax income… they’re taking plenty of income from us, so I’m wanting ahead to preserving that house.”
He additionally famous that legalized sports activities betting could play a task in guaranteeing Missouri retains its professional sports activities groups, together with the Chiefs and Royals, amid stadium funding debates.
Public Backing Barely Secured Sports activities Betting Legalization
Missouri turned the thirty ninth U.S. state to legalize sports activities betting after a slim November referendum, which handed by simply 0.1%—a mere few thousand votes. Below the legislation, 10% of income generated from betting actions will go towards teaching programs, playing dependancy prevention, and regulatory prices.
Although the rollout has been gradual and meticulous, Zimmerman burdened the significance of guaranteeing that each one licenses are awarded responsibly. “A yr from now, no one in Missouri will keep in mind a time once we didn’t have sports activities wagering, proper?” she mentioned.
For now, sports activities followers in Missouri should wait till winter to put authorized bets—however officers promise the additional time will lead to a safe, well-regulated market that retains cash within the state and helps its future.
