Despite the legalization of sports betting in Missouri through Amendment 2 in November 2024, residents will not have access to legal wagering in time for the upcoming Super Bowl or Major League Baseball (MLB) Opening Day.
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is currently in the process of establishing regulations, with an anticipated launch by June 2025.
Regulatory Progress and Timeline
The MGC is diligently working to develop a comprehensive framework for sports betting operations. This involves drafting regulations, reviewing applications, and conducting thorough background checks on potential operators.
As of early February 2025, some regulatory proposals have been submitted to Governor Mike Kehoe’s office for approval.
However, the exact stage of the process remains unclear, and the MGC has not provided a definitive timeline for completion.
Comparative Implementation: Kansas vs. Missouri
The path to legalization in Missouri contrasts with neighboring Kansas, where sports betting was legalized through legislative action in 2022.
In Kansas, it took approximately 75 days from the signing of the law to the commencement of legal betting. In Missouri, the process is taking longer due to the need to establish regulations following the voter-approved amendment.
Financial Implications
The delay in implementing sports betting means Missouri is missing out on potential revenue. For instance, during the 2023 and 2024 NFL playoffs, Kansas generated $600,000 and $1.7 million respectively in sports betting revenue.
In total, Kansas saw about $840 million in settled wagers during January and February of 2023 and 2024 combined.
While these figures are modest relative to Missouri’s $52 billion state budget, they represent missed opportunities for additional funding, particularly for education and problem gambling programs.
Projected Launch and Future Outlook
The MGC aims to have sports betting operational by June 2025, aligning with the Missouri Gaming Commission’s deadline to establish rules for prospective operators.
This timeline suggests that while betting will not be available for the Super Bowl or MLB Opening Day, it should be in place for the latter part of the MLB season and the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Key Details of Missouri’s Sports Betting Legalization
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legalization Method | Voter-approved Amendment 2 in November 2024 |
| Regulatory Body | Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) |
| Anticipated Launch Date | June 2025 |
| Tax Rate | 10% on sports betting revenue, below the national average of 19% |
| Revenue Allocation | Funds directed towards education and problem gambling programs |
| Comparison to Kansas | Kansas implemented sports betting within 75 days post-legalization; Missouri’s process is taking longer due to regulatory development |
While the legalization of sports betting in Missouri marks a significant development, the regulatory process has led to delays, preventing residents from participating in legal wagering for the Super Bowl and MLB Opening Day.
The anticipated launch in June 2025 holds promise for future sporting events, offering potential economic benefits and enhanced entertainment options for Missourians.
As the state moves forward, the focus remains on establishing a robust and responsible framework to ensure the success and integrity of sports betting operations.
