Legalized sports gambling in Missouri will be delayed. Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has rejected proposed emergency rules which could have allowed sports betting to begin this summer.
Hoskins said that sports betting does not warrant an “emergency” designation and can proceed through the standard rulemaking process, which unlike an emergency designation, includes input from the public.
“According to Missouri State Statute 536.025, the emergency rulemaking process is reserved for situations that require immediate action,” said Hoskins. “After careful review, we determined that the situation does not meet these urgent criteria. We remain committed to ensuring a transparent and thorough process for updating Missouri’s gaming regulations.”
Because of Hoskins’ move, sports betting likely won’t begin until the mandated December 1st deadline.
“Making it legal to bet sooner is not an emergency. Also, under the emergency rules, no public comment period would have been allowed,” Hoskins further clarified to Missourinet. “This allows the public to comment about the process, procedures, and rules.”
For years, Hoskins blocked legislative efforts to legalize sports betting.
He said his decision Monday does not impact the ongoing efforts to review and update the state’s gaming policies, and collaboration with stakeholders will continue.
Amendment 2, which legalizes sports betting, passed last November with 50.05% of the vote.
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