Missouri Gaming Commission Moves to Implement Sports Betting Regulations

Missouri voters narrowly ing Amendment 2, the state is poised to introduce regulated sports betting under the oversight of the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC). The constitutional amendment, approved by a slim 7,486-vote margin, opens the door for licensed sports betting throughout Missouri, marking the state’s entry as the 39th U.S. state to legalize this form of gambling.

Rule-Making Process Begins for Licensing

Missouri Gaming Commission Chair Jan Zimmerman has confirmed that the commission is already at work drafting the essential rules and regulations for sports betting. This process includes setting up an application procedure for those seeking licenses, from casinos and sports teams to online platforms. Zimmerman noted that the sports betting application process would mirror that of casino gambling, ensuring all d individuals are licensed.

“With casino gambling, if someone is going to be working in a casino they have to be licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission as well,” Zimmerman explained. “So this application process really won’t be significantly different. There are lots of folks who will be d and associated with sports betting that will need to be licensed.”

The MGC’s stringent vetting approach aims to safeguard both the industry and citizens. Zimmerman emphasized the importance of protecting the public, saying, “We want to protect you know both the gaming industry, but also our citizens, to make sure that there’s not some entity out there who’s cheating our folks.”

Under the new regulations, Missouri’s professional sports teams, including the Cardinals, Royals, Chiefs, and Blues, will be eligible to operate branded sports betting venues near their stadiums. Additionally, each team can offer online betting options, giving fans another avenue to engage with their favorite teams. Missouri’s six casinos will similarly have the opportunity to establish sportsbooks at their locations while providing online betting services. Furthermore, Amendment 2 allows for the issuance of two additional licenses to online platforms that are independent of both casinos and professional teams.

This inclusive licensing approach is anticipated to cultivate a comprehensive sports betting market in Missouri. Zimmerman acknowledged the extensive workload ahead, stating, “There’ll be a lot of licensing that’ll be we’re going to have some pretty busy agendas at the Gaming Commission in the next few months.” With the MGC’s team fully committed to this endeavor, Missouri is on track to meet the anticipated launch timeline by December 2025.

Economic Forecasts for Missouri’s Sports Betting Market

The anticipated sports betting industry in Missouri is projected to be substantial. An economic analysis commissioned by the Winning for Missouri Education campaign suggests that around $22 billion could be wagered within the first five years of legalization. According to the study, online betting will dominate the market, likely ing for 98% of all wagers placed in Missouri. The state is projected to see cumulative tax revenues of approximately $134 million within that five-year period, ing education funding and initiatives aimed at preventing gambling addiction. Initial projections indicate that Missouri could generate close to $29 million in tax revenue annually.

The campaign for Amendment 2 witnessed significant investment, with backing from prominent sports betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings, which tly contributed nearly $41 million to the Winning for Missouri Education campaign. Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment initially opposed the measure, investing $14 million to campaign against Amendment 2, though the company withdrew its ads in the days leading up to the election.

Despite the close margin, the age of Amendment 2 reflects a broader trend of sports betting legalization across the U.S., with Missouri ing nearly all its neighboring states—excluding Oklahoma—in offering a regulated sports betting framework. Although some areas like Greene County voted against the amendment, with 55% opposition, the measure’s statewide approval marks a new chapter for sports wagering in Missouri.

Source:

”Missouri Gaming Commission chairman working to launch sports betting”, cdcgaming.com, November 12, 2024.