The letters were sent to Polymarket, Kalshi, Crypto.com, Novig, Underdog, and Robinhood, with Hanaway’s office arguing that these companies offer unlicensed sports betting by presenting traditional bets as event contracts, and that federal courts have already ruled such platforms fall under state gambling law rather than the federal Commodity Exchange Act. The AG’s office also said that many of the platforms either let underage users access their products or lack proper safeguards to keep out anyone under 21.
Attorney General Hanaway explained:
“Missourians voted for a safe, well‑regulated sports wagering market that supports public education and addresses problem gambling. Companies cannot repackage sports bets as ‘event contracts’ to avoid Missouri law. We will enforce the rules voters approved and protect consumers. Any company that wants to offer sports wagering in Missouri must be licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission, pay the required taxes and fees, and ensure no one under 21 can place a bet.”
Missouri approved Amendment 2 in 2024, legalizing and regulating sports betting under the Missouri Gaming Commission, with the market launching on December 1, 2025. The framework allows betting through licensed mobile platforms and in-person locations, and applies a 10% tax on sports betting revenue that helps fund public education. Hanaway’s office says any company wanting to operate in Missouri must get a license from the Gaming Commission, pay the required taxes, and enforce age verification, warning that failure to comply with the cease-and-desist order will lead to enforcement action.
