Missouri Sports Betting Launch Delayed as Some Rules Rejected

Missouri's long-anticipated sports betting market will face further delays, as Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the Missouri Gaming Commission's (MGC) request for “emergency” rules. Hoskins' decision on Friday, February 21, 2025, to block the expedited rules is a significant setback, pushing the state's previously targeted June launch into the fall.

Emergency Rule Rejection Sparks Delay

Hoskins explained that the situation did not meet the legal criteria for emergency rulemaking, which can only be invoked in cases of immediate danger to public health or safety, or when urgent governmental interests require a swift response. According to Missouri law, such rules should only be designated when an issue poses a pressing threat, something the proposed emergency sports betting rules were not deemed to address.

“The proposed emergency rules were intended to address specific aspects of gaming regulations,” Hoskins stated. “However, following a thorough review, it was concluded that the matter does not meet the criteria for emergency rulemaking according to Missouri law.” He also noted that the rules could proceed through the standard process, which allows for public input and takes more time.

The Missouri Gaming Commission had aimed for a June 2025 launch date, but now, without emergency rules, the timeline for implementing sports betting in the state is being pushed back by several months. The new target for a regulatory framework is now expected to be in place by late summer, with the application process likely starting shortly thereafter.

The MGC's rejection of the emergency rules alters the schedule for Missouri’s sports betting market, which was set to be one of the largest to launch in the country. Despite the delay, the state still has until December 1, 2025, to meet the constitutional deadline for launching legal sports wagering. The MGC has stated that the new timeline will allow for a more thorough rulemaking process, although the delay now coincides with the start of the 2025 NFL season, set to begin on September 4.

Regulators typically require between 60 to 90 days to process applications once rules are finalized. Given this timeline, the application process could extend into the peak of sports betting season, which includes the NFL, NCAA football, and NBA seasons.

Questions Surround Licensing and Digital Skins

Beyond the delay, another potential complication looms in the interpretation of the number of digital “skins” available for sports betting. Initially, it was understood that each physical casino in Missouri would be eligible for one digital sports betting license, or “skin.” This interpretation was particularly important for casino operators with multiple properties in the state, as it would allow them to launch multiple online platforms under different skins.

However, recent comments from the Missouri Attorney General's office suggest that this interpretation might change, potentially reducing the number of skins available to casinos. This issue could have a significant impact on how the market develops, as multiple operators with different online platforms would increase competition and consumer access.

Ryan Butler, a key figure in Missouri's gaming industry, tweeted on February 18 that the legal interpretation of the skin allocation could shift. If this happens, it may require further revisions to the sports betting rules, adding yet another layer of complexity to the already delayed process.

Denny Hoskins, Missouri's Secretary of State, is no stranger to the state's gambling debate. In the past, he has been an outspoken advocate for sports betting legalization and has authored various pieces of legislation aimed at expanding gambling options in Missouri. While Hoskins has worked to legalize both sports betting and video lottery terminals, he has also faced opposition, including unsuccessful efforts to combine both into a single bill.

In a statement regarding the delay, Hoskins emphasized that his office’s decision would not interfere with ongoing efforts to update and review Missouri’s broader gaming policies. “This decision does not impact the ongoing efforts to review and update the state’s gaming policies,” he said. “The Secretary of State’s office will continue to collaborate with stakeholders as it moves forward with the rulemaking procedure.”

 

The proposed emergency rules were intended to address specific aspects of gaming regulations, but following a thorough review, it was concluded that the matter does not meet the criteria for emergency rulemaking according to Missouri law

What’s Next for Missouri?

As Missouri’s gaming regulators work through the rulemaking process, the timeline for the state's sports betting market remains uncertain. With the state still needing to meet its December 2025 deadline, all eyes will be on the MGC to finalize rules and push forward with the application process as swiftly as possible. But with the potential change in digital skin interpretation and other regulatory hurdles, stakeholders will be keeping a close watch on whether further complications will arise.

The outcome of Missouri’s sports betting initiative has important implications for both the state’s gaming market and its relationship with surrounding states that have already legalized sports betting. With every delay, the pressure mounts to get the rules in place and begin generating the revenue that both regulators and operators are eagerly awaiting.