Missourians were already betting on sports. Now at least they have help | Opinion

For years, Missourians wanting to participate in sports betting had only two options, neither of which was very appealing: Stories are now notorious about Missourians getting into their cars and traveling to one of the seven border states that had already legalized sports gambling to place their bets. Or bettors in Missouri went online through unregulated, illegal websites, where few if any customer protections exist, and where there is almost no recourse if they were defrauded or their financial data was compromised.

For three decades, I’ve worked with regulators, researchers, clinicians and people in recovery from gambling addiction to ensure regulated gambling operators — especially online sports betting companies — meet high standards for responsible gambling. Online, regulated sportsbooks can track user activity in real time, offer tools such as spending limits, and are required to act when they detect signs of problem gambling. I would argue that the level of protection on leading regulated sports betting apps in some jurisdictions now exceeds the baseline protections that exist in land-based casinos.

When Missouri voters passed legalized sports betting in November 2024, they set up a program that allows Missouri to join 38 other states that have legal, regulated sports betting programs. But unlike other states that have been forced to play catch-up, Missouri is ensuring up front that resources are available to those that experience problem gaming issues. Under the Missouri Constitution, a minimum of $5 million in dedicated, permanent problem gaming funds must be available each and every year for residents of the state. This proactive approach was based upon feedback Missouri received from the nonprofit National Council on Problem Gaming, and should serve as a good example for other legal, regulated sports betting states.

Legal sports betting platforms across the country have made great strides over the past decade in consumer protection and responsible gambling. Strong standards require tools absent in the illegal market (and even at land-based casinos or lottery retailers) such as real-time behavioral monitoring to flag signs of problematic behavior — excessive betting, changes in spending patterns or signs of distress — before it escalates. Players can set time and deposit limits, or even opt in to self-exclusion programs if needed. Age and identity verification are strictly enforced to prevent underage gambling. Best-practice guidelines, like those developed by the National Council on Problem Gambling, promote informed decision-making, responsible marketing and support for at-risk players.

Just because Missourians now have a legal way to bet on sports doesn’t mean they automatically will. Some will inevitably be tempted to continue to place bets through illegal, offshore websites. My simple question: What will they do if their financial data is compromised? What will they do if their winning bet isn’t paid out? What are these illegal companies doing to ensure the integrity of their games?

Since Dec. 1, Missourians finally have access to the protections and safeguards of a legal, regulated market, as well as additional problem gambling resources. It has been a long time coming in Missouri, and now is not the time to continue to roll the dice on placing illegal, unregulated bets. A better, safer way is finally here.

Keith Whyte served 26 years as executive director for the nonprofit National Council on Problem Gambling. He now leads problem gambling advisory firm Safer Gambling Strategies, which partners with corporations, nongovernmental organizations, governments and regulatory agencies to prevent gambling addiction and promote safer gambling.