Public Declines Month-Long Period To Comment On Missouri Sports Betting

By April 16, no one from the general public 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 give Missourians a chance to "express their concerns and opinions" on sports betting. 

However, the commission’s sports wagering rule-writing team had not received any comments from the general public by late afternoon on Wednesday, April 16, at the end of the month-long period, said Elizabeth Hoffman, commission public relations coordinator. 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 Thursday, April 17, during a public hearing in Jefferson City, beginning at 10 a.m. CT. As it turned out, no one from the general public showed up 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 sport betting opponent when he served in the Legislature, said emergency rules didn’t apply in attempting to launch legal sport 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 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 by using cellphones or computers from anywhere in Missouri. Legal sports betting is expected to begin simetime 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 there, thus making it the 40th state with legal sports betting, if approved. The deadline for a comprise is next month.