Delay in Sports Betting Launch in Missouri Pushed Back to No Earlier than Fall Season
Missouri sports bettors will have to wait until December 2025 to place their first legal wagers, following the rejection of emergency sports betting rules by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.
Initially, the Missouri Gaming Commission aimed for a mid-2025 launch, with a possible start as early as June. However, the rejection of the emergency rules has forced the commission to adhere to the constitutionally mandated launch date of December 1, 2025.
Governor Mike Kehoe's spokeswoman, Gabby Picard, confirmed that Kehoe and Hoskins "continue to have a good working relationship" as they navigate the challenges of implementing sports betting in Missouri. The governor's office will continue to work with the Missouri Gaming Commission and the office of the secretary of state on sports betting implementation.
The rejection of the emergency rules meant that the launch couldn't be expedited before the constitutional deadline set by Amendment 2. The public comment period for sports betting rules in Missouri will run until at least April 17, allowing for public input on the regulations.
The Missouri Gaming Commission is now tasked with licensing sports betting platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, among others, and finalizing the rules and regulations before betting can begin in the state. Several of these major sportsbooks are expected to be operational with apps available for Missouri bettors starting on the new expected start date of December 1, 2025.
Larry Henry, a veteran print and broadcast reporter and editor, provides insight into this development. Henry, who has worked with the Las Vegas Sun and KFSM-TV, has experience with media outlets in states with gaming, including Tennessee and Louisiana.
Despite the delay, the I-70 series (Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals) and the start of the NFL preseason are off the table for Missouri sports bettors wanting to wager legally due to the delayed launch of sports betting. The Chiefs' opponents for the upcoming season have been announced, including home games against the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions, and away games against Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills.
Commission chairwoman Jan Zimmerman forwarded the proposed rules and regulations to Gov. Kehoe's office for review, marking another step forward in the process of legalizing sports betting in Missouri. The public could learn more about a potential go-live date when the commission holds its next meeting in Jefferson City on Feb. 26.
[1] Missouri Gaming Commission website: https://www.mogaming.com/sports-betting/ [2] Secretary of State Denny Hoskins' office: https://www.sos.mo.gov/ [3] Governor Mike Kehoe's office: https://governor.mo.gov/ [4] Missouri Constitution: https://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/2000000101.html [5] Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Amendment_2,Sports_Betting_Initiative(2022)
- Despite the delay in the launch of sports betting in Missouri, major sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are still expected to be operational with apps available for Missouri bettors from December 1, 2025.
- News regarding the potential go-live date for sports betting in Missouri may be announced during the Missouri Gaming Commission's next meeting in Jefferson City on February 26.
