Missouri Sets Public Hearing for Input on Sports Betting Rules

The Show-Me State is about to take another step towards launching its new sports betting market.

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has released its rules and regulations for sports betting ahead of its December 1 launch. The public will now have the opportunity to review the proposed framework and provide written feedback until July 16. The regulator will hold a public hearing on July 17 to discuss the feedback and address any additional questions.

With the public comment period open and a hearing set, Missouri remains on track to launch its sports betting market by December 1. This is good news for proponents, as the new law requires that online sports betting go live on or before that date. 

Missouri has begun accepting applications for online sportsbook licenses. DraftKings and Underdog are the only two to apply so far, but BetMGM and bet365 have established partnerships for market access. 

With two mobile-only licenses, six for pro sports teams, and nine for riverboat casinos, more applications are expected.

Responsible Gaming Advocates Prepare for Launch

Launching a regulated sports betting market isn’t the only task the MGC has been assigned. When Missouri voters legalized sports betting in the November election, the new amendment also created the Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund (CGP). The regulator is responsible for managing the fund, which will work in conjunction with the Department of Health’s Compulsive Gambling Fund.

The advantage of the new CGP fund is that the money will be protected. This means there won’t be a time limit for the funds to be spent, giving the MGC more leeway when deciding how to use them most effectively. This makes it unique compared to other government funds, where unspent money is returned to the state’s general fund.

With the new problem gambling fund and years of data from other markets, Missouri hopes that it can limit the damage done to at-risk gamblers.