Missouri Is Bracing for Sports Gambling – And Addiction

Summary

Missouri is preparing to roll out legal online sports gambling after awarding 10 licences to major operators including Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings and Fanatics. While the move opens new commercial opportunities, public-health advocates warn it could worsen gambling-related harms in a state that already shows high participation and reported problems.

Keith Spare, chair of the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, tells St. Louis Public Radio the state is not ready for the surge in people who will realise they have gambling problems once online betting becomes widely accessible. He highlights that around 60% of Missourians gamble and that 20% of those report gambling-related harm. Current help options include the Missouri Problem Gambling Helpline (888-BETS-OFF / 888-238-7633), Gamblers Anonymous and the state’s Voluntary Exclusion Program.

Key Points

Missouri has issued 10 licences for online sports betting to major operators (Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, etc.).
Experts warn the introduction of mobile, always-on betting will increase gambling-related harm among vulnerable people.
State data cited by advocates: approximately 60% of residents gamble, and 20% of those experience harm.
Critics, including Keith Spare, say Missouri lacks sufficient resources to handle a likely uptick in problem gambling.
Support services currently available include a 24/7 helpline (888-BETS-OFF / 888-238-7633), Gamblers Anonymous and a Voluntary Exclusion Program.

Why should I read this?

Short version: because it matters. If you live in Missouri or work in public health, local government or the betting industry, this change is going to affect pockets, people and services. It’s a quick heads-up about how a big commercial roll-out can create real social fallout — and where help is (or isn’t) standing by.

Author style

Punchy — the piece flags an urgent public-health issue. Read the detail if you want to understand who’s raising alarms and why the state’s readiness (or lack of it) matters now that mobile betting is on the way.

Context and Relevance

Legalised online sports betting is expanding across the US, and Missouri’s launch is part of that trend. What makes the story significant is the combination of high participation rates in the state and concerns from problem-gambling advocates that infrastructure and treatment resources lag behind the pace of market growth. The article is relevant to policymakers, healthcare providers, community groups and anyone tracking the social impacts of gambling liberalisation.