Fans will have to wait a little longer for the much-anticipated Missouri sports betting launch after the Secretary of State (SOS) rejected the proposed emergency sports betting rules put together by the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC).
Speaking to the media, Missouri SOS Denny Hoskins said that the proposed emergency rules do not meet certain guidelines for emergency lawmaking as per the state’s law. The MSC was planning to open the curtains for sports betting in June. With the delay, the launch has now been rescheduled for fall of 2025.
The Missouri Gaming Commission proposed emergency rules to allow for the acceptance of license applications and expedite the launch of sports betting. However, the Missouri Secretary of State rejected the proposed emergency rules on the grounds that there was no immediate danger to the general public that justified emergency rulemaking.
According to Missouri law, creating an emergency rule is only appropriate in cases where there is an immediate danger to public health, welfare, or safety. Furthermore, use of emergency powers is only allowed in cases where “the rule is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date.”
The rules provided by the MGC sought to regulate sports gambling in Missouri in a variety of ways, providing standardized regulatory guidelines for sportsbooks operators, vendors, and employees.
Many of those rules were aimed towards providing player protection and preventing fraudulent activities. As well as making sure the new Missouri sportsbooks would bring economic benefits to the state.
It’s worth reviewing the provisions included in the emergency sports betting rules. The next proposal put forward by the Missouri Gaming Commission will likely include many elements from this original set of rules. Some of the sections of the MSC proposal include:
Rather than rejecting the idea of sports betting regulations outright, SOS Hoskins pointed out that the rules can and should “proceed through the standard rulemaking process which includes the opportunity for public input”.
Hoskins also cited concerns about regulatory oversight and potential rushed implementation. The MGC was eyeing a June launch just before the start of the new National Football League season.
With emergency sports betting rules now off the table, MGC will now go back to the drawing board to explore alternative approaches. MGC has mentioned that it plans to roll out its proposed licensing rules, which will become effective by August 30. The delay could potentially result in the application process coinciding with the start of the 2025 NFL season, which is scheduled to kick off this September 4.
The rules must be approved first before regulators can completely accept applications. More often than not, it takes roughly two to three months to get rules approved. The good news is that this gives the MGC ample time to put together a new proposal, as the constitutional deadline for legalizing sports betting in Missouri is set for December 1.
Although they remain on the sidelines when it comes to sports betting compared to their neighbor Kansas where sports betting is legal, the Show-Me-State is seemingly on the right path towards legalizing sports betting. It is also worth noting that SOS Hoskins has been a supporter of legal sports betting in Missouri.
In fact, he was responsible for a betting legislation that aimed to legalize sports betting and video lottery terminals. SOS Hoskins reassured everyone that his office will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure legal sports betting will be available in Missouri before the year ends.
