Missouri has officially launched legal sports betting after voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment, effective Monday. This comes as Argosy Casino sits just across the river from Kansas, where sports betting has already been legal for over three years.
Tyrone Myrick, the vice president of marketing at Argosy Casino and also associated with Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, noted that the experience in Kansas has been valuable in preparing for this launch. He stated, “Customers tend to play longer or stay in our venue longer than those gaming on traditional slot tables. Therefore, we’ve had to adjust our food and beverage offerings to accommodate this extended stay.”
Charlie Hooper’s Bar and Grill in Brookside is another establishment anticipating an uptick in business. Tom Wilkins visited the bar on Tuesday with his wife, sporting a Mizzou hat and expressing his appreciation for player Ahmad Hardy. “Oh, yeah. That was a great find by the coach,” Wilkins remarked.
Although he can bet on the Tigers, Wilkins cannot place a wager on Hardy’s performance, a type of bet known as a prop bet, since the player competes for a Missouri college team. This reflects Missouri’s unique regulations on sports betting, especially in light of some college athletes having lost eligibility due to performance-related betting.
Clarke mentioned, “It gives individuals a reason to watch games they might not typically focus on and encourages them to linger a bit longer.”
Missouri’s Amendment 2 not only legalized sports betting but also incorporates requirements for providing information and resources for problem gambling. However, it does not mandate self-exclusion, betting limits, affordability checks, or other protections. For assistance, Missouri’s problem gambling hotline, 888-BETS-OFF (888-238-7633), is available 24/7 for support and referrals.
