Decline in Silence Over Month-Long Missouri Sports Betting Discussion
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Despite a month-long public comment period, no general public involvement was recorded by Missouri's Gaming Commission leading up to the launch of sports betting. This surprising revelation was disclosed by Elizabeth Hoffman, the commission's public relations coordinator, on April 16, 2025.
Earlier in the year, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins halted the launch, stating that the public commentary period would grant Missourians a chance to voice their concerns and opinions on sports betting. However, the commission reported no public input, with only the gaming industry offering comments.
Even though the comment period ended, anyone still wishing to participate could attend a public hearing in Jefferson City on April 17, 10 a.m. CT. Unfortunately, no one from the general public showed up to voice their concerns at the hearing.
Public Comment Period Instigated by Secretary of State
In February, the Secretary of State's office called for a halt in the Gaming Commission's efforts to launch sports betting over the summer using emergency rules.
Denny Hoskins, a sports betting critic and Legislature member, argued that emergency rules were inappropriate for launching legal sports betting as early as the summer. He insisted on a regular rulemaking process to ensure the public a chance for feedback.
Despite Hoskins' intervention, public comments and replies were to be handled by the Gaming Commission, not the Secretary of State's office, according to Rachel Dunn, the Secretary of State's communications director.
Sports Betting Deadline
In the statewide election last November, Missouri voters approved a ballot measure legalizing sports betting statewide. The regulation requires sports betting to commence no later than Dec. 1, 2025, and will be accessible both in-person at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and via cellphones or computers from anywhere in Missouri. Legal sports betting is expected to launch sometime after Sept. 1.
Across the US, sports betting is now legal and live in 38 states and Washington, D.C. This autumn, Missouri is poised to become the 39th state to join the fray. Legislators in Hawaii are striving to reach a compromise that could make it the 40th state with legal sports betting, with a deadline set for next month.
On April 16, 2025, Elizabeth Hoffman, Missouri's Gaming Commission's public relations coordinator, revealed a surprising lack of public involvement in the comment period leading up to the sports betting launch, contradicting Secretary of State Denny Hoskins' earlier claim that members of the general public would have a chance to voice their concerns. Meanwhile, the gaming industry was the only one offering comments during this period.
In a move that could potentially see Missouri become the 39th state with legal sports betting, legislators are working diligently to reach a compromise, with the deadline set for legal sports betting in Hawaii being next month. As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve across the US, Larry Henry, a seasoned journalist with expertise in politics and gaming industries, keeps a keen eye on the latest sports-betting news, sports, and casino developments.
