Missouri is set to launch legal sports betting on December 1, with temporary licenses being granted to technology providers ahead of the official rollout, as confirmed by Jan Zimmerman, Chairman of the Gaming Commission.

According to a report from Missourinet, Zimmerman noted that these temporary licenses will allow technology providers to test their systems prior to the launch date. “Our goal was to ensure that the technology suppliers are able to verify that their systems function correctly,” she stated.

Creating the regulations for sports betting has been a significant undertaking. “The regulations consist of numerous pages covering every aspect of sports wagering in Missouri,” Zimmerman explained.

She mentioned that staff dedicated extensive hours, including evenings and weekends, to drafting hundreds of pages of rules. “They’ve practically turned our conference room into what they call a ‘war room,’” Zimmerman added while speaking to Missourinet.

The economic implications of sports betting in Missouri remain uncertain. Zimmerman stated that projections have varied, with a more realistic estimate hovering around $28 million. She elaborated that it could take up to a year to fully assess the impact.

Nearly a year ago, Missouri voters endorsed sports betting via a ballot initiative, mandating the state to operationalize the industry by December 1. Funds generated from this gambling initiative will be allocated to public education and support for military veterans in Missouri.