Until now Missourians wanting to bet on sports were forced to cross state lines to one of our seven border states that have legalized sports betting, or use illegal, offshore sites. Starting two weeks from today at midnight on Dec. 1, Missourians will be able to enjoy the benefits and protections of a regulated market: transparent and consumer protected products; state-of-the-art responsible gaming tools and resources; and millions in new, permanent education funding for Missouri classrooms.
“No longer will Missourians have to use shady, illicit offshore websites to place bets on their favorite games,” said Jack Cardetti, a spokesperson for the Sports Betting Alliance. “Missourians will finally have access to the heavily regulated American sports betting platforms available in 38 other states. These secure platforms provide the latest tools that help consumers monitor their play, while taxes generated from these bets will provide tens of millions to Missouri classrooms. It’s a win-win for Missouri. Now, the goal will be moving Missourians currently using illegal market sports betting providers to the much safer legal market.”
| ILLEGAL BETTING | LEGAL, REGULATED SPORTS BETTING |
| Illegal offshore companies often allow anyone, regardless of age, to place bets. | Operators are required to use state-of-the-art identity verification technology that experts agree keeps those underage from placing bets. |
| Illegal operators often cheat customers by not paying out winning bets and customers are left with no meaningful recourse. | Regulators require operators to pay out winning bets and follow all applicable laws and rules. Customers have recourse and may lodge complaints with regulators. |
| Unsecure processing puts the financial data of customers at risk when placing bets. Because these companies are operating illegally, they don’t follow financial laws and best practices and customers have little recourse if their data is compromised. | Operators ensure financial data privacy through secure payment processing. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees these transactions and has enforcement capability. |
| There are no problem gaming protections, resources or oversight when betting illegally. | All betting categories are overseen and authorized by regulators. Laws and rules require operators to invest in state-of-the-art technology that allows customers to manage their play, including the amount of money and time spent. Problem gaming resources are free and available to customers. |
| Illegal operators don’t work with teams or sports leagues to ensure game integrity. | Licensed, regulated operators are required to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and work directly with sports teams and sports leagues to identify suspicious activity or patterns to ensure the integrity of the games. |
