Title: Missourian Sports Betting Confirmedly Delayed Till December 2025 🎲💰
Sports Betting Commencement in Missouri Officially Announced - Falls Short of Betters' Expectations
Get ready, Missouri sports enthusiasts! Despite the fervor, sports betting in our great state won't be kicking off until December 1, 2025. Yes, you read that right, and we're as disappointed as you are.
After the narrow passage of Amendment 2 during the 2024 election, with a mere 50.05% majority, sports betting was finally legalized here. The new law allows two online sportsbooks and sports betting options at every riverboat casino, professional sports stadium, and arena.
On May 15, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) opened the sports betting application period. Applications for online sportsbooks are due by June 15, with a decision planned for August 15. Retail and online application submissions tied to casinos or sports venues have a deadline of September 12.
So, why the delay? Although the ballot referendum and constitutional amendment didn't explicitly prohibit an earlier start date, the MGC sought to expedite sports betting and commence action this summer. Their efforts were denied by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskin's office. MGC Executive Director Mike Leara has stated, "The only answer we were given is that it didn't meet the requirements under the statute."
One silver lining: our neighbors from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Tennessee will already be taking sports bets when Missouri finally joins the party. Only our friends over in Oklahoma continue to keep those betting dollar bills to themselves.
When it comes to betting online, only Tennessee has solely online sportsbooks, while Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois offer both in-person and online options. Sadly, until December rolls around, you'll have to settle for your Tuesday night double feature and homemade sportsbook spreadsheets.
Enrichment Insight: The delay in Missouri's sports betting launch is due to several factors. Key among these reasons are rejection of emergency rules due to state law requirements, the standard rulemaking process, and the deadline set forth by state law. Despite these setbacks, it's currently expected that sports betting will commence in the fall of 2025.
- The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is accepting applications for online sportsbooks, with submissions due by June 15, and a decision planned for August 15.
- The passage of Amendment 2 during the 2024 election legalized sports betting in Missouri, allowing two online sportsbooks and sports betting options at casino venues and professional sports stadiums.
- The new regulation on sports betting in Missouri will delay its start until December 1, 2025.
- Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskin's office denied the MGC's efforts to commence sports betting this summer, citing the requirements under the statute as the only reason given for the rejection of emergency rules.
- In terms of online sports betting availability, Missouri neighbors such as Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Tennessee already offer this option, while Missouri only allows both in-person and online sports betting options.
