Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Jan Zimmerman is now working to bring sports betting to Missouri after voters approved Amendment 2 by a narrow margin. She said in an interview with KFVS 12 News that the rule-making process requires the implementation of an application system for gambling licenses.
Missouri becomes the 39th U.S. jurisdiction to permit legal, regulated sports betting
Missouri is officially the 39th U.S. territory to permit legal, regulated sports betting. The Show-Me State joins 38 other states and Washington, D.C. Amendment 2 requires state officials to launch sports wagering no later than Dec. 1, 2025.
“With casino gambling, if someone is going to be working in a casino, they have to be licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission as well,” she said.
“So this application process really won’t be significantly different. There are lots of folks who will be affiliated and associated with sports betting that will need to be licensed.”
Missouri’s 13 casinos will be able to operate retail and online sports betting. Professional sports teams and online platforms will also have an opportunity to apply for those licenses.
The sports betting tax rate is 10%, and promotional credits are also capped at 25%. Two online betting platforms would be eligible to receive a license.
Each of the 13 casinos will be granted a license
However, Zimmerman told KFVS 12 News that the application process is extensive for a reason.
“We want to protect you know both the gaming industry, but also our citizens, to make sure that there’s not some entity out there who’s cheating our folks,” Zimmerman said.
Missouri Gaming Commission officials clarified a few weeks ago that each of the 13 casinos would be granted a license. She said every person associated with gambling will be vetted during the process.
“There’ll be a lot of licensing that’ll be we’re going to have some pretty busy agendas at the Gaming Commission in the next few months,” Zimmerman added.
In September, an economic study was conducted by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming to analyze the benefits of legalized sports betting. The study showed that Missouri gross gaming revenue (GGR) could reach nearly $560 million after five years.
As a result, Missouri public education would receive up to $105 million in funding over the next five years.
Additionally, the study projects total GGR of $335 million in the first year, growing to almost $560 million by year five. Total tax revenue of $4.7 million is expected in the first year, increasing to $38.7 million in year five.
