Public Declines Month-Long Period To Comment On Missouri Sports Betting
By April 16, no one from the general public had participated in a month-long period to comment on the upcoming launch of sports betting in Missouri, according to the state Gaming Commission.
Earlier this year, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, halting a process to launch sports betting this summer, said the public comment period would allow Missourians to "express their concerns and opinions" on sports betting.
However, Elizabeth Hoffman, commission public relations coordinator, said that by late afternoon on Wednesday, April 16, at the end of the month-long period, the commission’s sports wagering rule-writing team had not received any comments from the general public. Members of the gaming industry submitted comments, she said.
Hoffman told Gambling.com that even though the public comment period ended Wednesday, anyone still wanting to respond to the licensing portion of sports wagering rules could speak at a public hearing in Jefferson City on Thursday, April 17, beginning at 10 a.m. CT. As it turned out, no one from the general public showed up on Thursday to speak at the hearing.
Secretary Of State Sought Public Comment Period
In February, the secretary of state issued a statement halting the Gaming Commission’s effort to launch sports betting this summer under emergency rules.
Hoskins, a sports betting opponent who served in the Legislature, said emergency rules didn’t apply when attempting to launch legal sports betting as early as the summer.
Hoskins stopped that effort, saying the regular rulemaking process “is designed to give the public the chance to provide feedback.” He stipulated that the public comment period would run from March 17 until at least April 17.
“During this time, citizens will be able to express their concerns and opinions,” he said, adding that several Missourians “reached out to the Secretary of State’s Office, voicing concerns and requesting an opportunity for public input."
"The public deserves to have its voice heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open," he said.
Previously, Rachel Dunn, the secretary of state’s communications director, told Gambling.com that any public comments and replies would go through the Gaming Commission, not Hoskins’ office.
Sports Betting Must Start By December
During last November’s statewide election, Missouri voters approved a ballot measure legalizing sports betting statewide. The measure requires sports betting to begin no later than Dec. 1, 2025. It will be available for bettors wanting to wager in-person at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks or using cellphones or computers from anywhere in Missouri. Legal sports betting is expected to begin sometime after Sept. 1.
Nationwide, sports betting is legal and live in 38 states and Washington, D.C. At some point this fall, Missouri will become the 39th state with legal sports betting.
In Hawaii, legislators are working on a compromise that would legalize sports betting. If approved, it would become the 40th state with legal sports betting. The deadline for a compromise is next month.
