Missouri remains on track to launch its legal sports betting industry by December 1, 2025, but the path forward is not without significant debate.
In the last 10 days, the state has finalized regulatory groundwork and begun accepting license applications, while public health experts continue to raise alarms about the potentially devastating consequences of legalized gambling without sufficient mental health infrastructure.
License Applications Underway, Final Rules Approved
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed this month that license applications are now open for sportsbooks, following the state’s May approval of finalized sports betting rules. Those rules cover every aspect of operations, from licensing to enforcement.
Chairwoman Jan Zimmerman said the rules position Missouri to meet its December deadline, despite Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ earlier rejection of emergency rulemaking. The emergency approach, which would have sped up the regulatory process, was scrapped in favor of a more deliberate rollout that includes public comment and oversight from a state review committee.
Zimmerman also revealed a key timeline: Missouri will issue “untethered” licenses—those not tied to casinos or sports venues—in August, while all other operator licenses are expected to be issued in November. This staggered approach ensures the MGC and the state highway patrol can complete all background investigations thoroughly.
Projected $28M in Tax Revenue — But Where Will It Go?
State officials expect sports betting to generate approximately $28 million in tax revenue annually. However, how much of that will actually make it to schools—a central promise in the 2024 ballot campaign—remains unclear.
According to the amendment passed by voters, tax funds must first cover regulatory expenses. After that, $5 million or 10% of the remaining funds (whichever is greater) will go toward the newly created Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund. Only then will the rest be allocated to K-12 and higher education.
This fund is a new development in Missouri’s mental health framework, created specifically to address gambling addiction. Unlike other state funds, it rolls over annually, allowing for long-term planning and investment.
Compulsive Gambling Concerns Take Center Stage
While policymakers tout Missouri’s operator-friendly 10% tax rate and its similarity to Kansas, public health experts warn the state may be unprepared for a spike in problem gambling.
Keith Spare, chair of the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, said the $5 million earmarked annually for addiction services is a step forward—but only if it’s used correctly. “Missouri funding will now be, for the first time in history, secure for problem gambling,” he said. But Spare worries about execution, citing a long history of inaction by the Department of Mental Health.
Spare pointed to a 2022 study estimating 200,000 Missourians have a gambling disorder, with an additional 1 million considered “at-risk.” He warned that online betting’s 24/7 access—especially in private settings—could exacerbate issues like bankruptcy, depression, and even suicide.
Counseling Services Are Strained — And Not Easily Found
Currently, only nine agencies have state contracts to provide free gambling disorder counseling, and just six employ certified specialists. The 1-888-BETSOFF hotline routes calls to those agencies, but the capacity to scale remains limited.
Jordyn Johnston, a counselor at University Health in Kansas City, noted an uptick in patients needing gambling help, particularly from rural areas. “I work with eight patients with gambling disorder, but 35 to 40 with substance use. We’re stretched thin,” she said.
Learning From Other States: A Blueprint for Reform?
Advocates like Spare are urging Missouri to follow Kansas and Oklahoma’s lead in creating a centralized network of certified counselors and public awareness campaigns.
One opportunity lies in Oklahoma’s virtual counselor training, which allows an unlimited number of Missouri-based professionals to be certified for a $4,000 annual fee. But so far, the Missouri Department of Mental Health has shown little interest in enrolling.
“The hotline is currently staffed by college students making referrals,” Spare said. “What Missouri needs is a robust, long-term treatment infrastructure—not just a number on a billboard.”
A System with Potential and Pitfalls
Missouri sports betting will offer both opportunity and risk. With a flat 10% tax, operator flexibility, and promotional deductions, the state has a competitive framework that should attract major sportsbooks. But the public health response remains a major concern.
As December approaches, all eyes will be on how Missouri handles the rollout, not just in terms of dollars and platforms, but in the state’s readiness to care for vulnerable citizens who this rapid expansion may impact.
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