Missouri’s sports betting launch, initially expected in early summer 2025, has been postponed after the state’s proposed emergency regulations were rejected. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) announced that it will now proceed with standard rulemaking procedures, delaying the implementation of legalized wagering until at least August 30, 2025.

The primary reason for the delay stems from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ refusal to approve the MGC’s emergency rules. According to Missouri law, emergency regulations can only be enacted if there is an “immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare,” or if the rules address a compelling governmental interest that necessitates immediate action. Hoskins determined that sports betting did not meet these criteria, stating that his office would continue to work with stakeholders through the traditional rulemaking process.

Had the emergency rules been approved, Missouri’s sports betting market could have launched within ten days. Instead, the delay means that sportsbooks will likely not begin operations until just before the start of the NFL season. The league’s first game in 2025 is scheduled for September 4, with the Kansas City Chiefs expected to play in the opener.

According to Ryan Butler, senior editor at Covers, quoted by FOX4KC.com, the licensing process alone can take several months. “The average turnaround is about six to nine months from when you get it approved to first bets,” Butler explained. Since sportsbook operators must undergo licensing, regulatory approval, and technical testing before launching, Missouri bettors will have to wait longer than originally anticipated.

Despite the setback, Missouri’s newly approved gaming framework mandates that online sports wagering must go live by December 1, 2025, ensuring that bettors will be able to place wagers before the end of the year.

Missouri’s Path to Legal Sports Betting

Missouri voters approved sports betting through Amendment 2 in November 2024, passing the measure by a narrow 50.1% margin. Before this decision, Missouri was one of only 12 states that had not legalized the practice. The amendment allows for both retail and online sports wagering under the oversight of the MGC.

The state’s new gambling laws permit each of Missouri’s 13 licensed riverboat casinos to apply for both a retail sportsbook license and an online sports betting license. In addition, Missouri’s six professional sports teams—the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis City SC, and Kansas City Current—are allowed to establish sports betting districts around their stadiums.

Missouri will also issue two additional mobile sportsbook licenses that are not tied to any casino. These are expected to be awarded to major national operators, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, or BetMGM.

The state has set a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, with the collected funds designated for public education, research on problem gambling, and treatment programs for gambling addiction.

Secretary of State Hoskins’ Role in the Delay

Hoskins has been a significant figure in Missouri’s gaming legislation, previously opposing sports betting bills that did not include provisions for video lottery terminals (VLTs). While serving as a state senator, he filibustered proposed legislation that would have legalized sports betting without expanding VLTs, arguing that the two issues should be addressed together.

His rejection of the emergency rule proposal follows his previous stance, as he continues to take a strict approach to gaming regulation. His decision means that Missouri’s sports betting industry will be subject to the standard rulemaking process, which includes a 30-day public comment period before any regulations can be finalized.

“This decision does not impact the ongoing efforts to review and update the state’s gaming policies,” Hoskins stated. “The Secretary of State’s office will continue to collaborate with stakeholders as it moves forward with the rulemaking procedure.”

What Comes Next for Missouri Sports Betting?

With emergency rules off the table, the MGC will now proceed with the regular regulatory process, which will take several months. Before sportsbooks can launch, operators must submit applications and undergo a licensing review period that typically lasts between 60 and 90 days.

Missouri’s revised timeline means that sports betting could start as early as August 30, 2025, but the launch could be pushed back depending on how quickly applications are processed. Since the official deadline for implementation is December 1, 2025, bettors will have access to legal wagering by the end of the year at the latest.

The delay has frustrated many within the industry, as sports betting operators had hoped to be up and running in time for the entire NFL season. However, Missouri is still on track to join the growing list of states with regulated sports wagering and once launched, the market is expected to generate significant revenue for the state.