Missouri Postpones Sports Betting Launch Until Late 2025

The Missouri Gaming Commission announced a delay in the launch of sports betting from early 2025 to December 2025. Despite being approved by voters back in November 2024, the rollout faces significant challenges. The most recent setback is the rejection of the emergency licensing rules by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. These rules would have permitted a quicker, temporary setup while the state finalized details.

Officials expressed concern that this approach could lead to complications and hinder effective regulation of the industry. The current plan is to have licensing rules in place by August 30, 2025, with a potential full launch by December 1, 2025.

**MGC stated:**

“In the absence of emergency rules, our timeline is being pushed back months. What this means is that sports betting won’t launch in the Show-Me State over the summer, but hardly all is lost.”

Despite the delay, there is some good news. The commission shared a detailed plan for regulating sports betting, which includes a 10% tax on sportsbooks and licenses for two untethered sportsbooks, 13 riverboat casinos, and six professional sports teams.

**MGC spokeswoman Elizabeth Hoffman said:**

“In the meantime, commission staff will continue working to ensure we meet the constitutionally required start date of sports wagering not later than December 1, 2025.”

While sports fans in Missouri may have to wait a bit longer to place bets, the state is committed to ensuring that the industry will be properly regulated upon launch.