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Missouri’s Gambling Commission has rejected a request from the NCAA to remove certain college sports prop bets from the state’s legal betting markets.
In a unanimous 3-0 vote during a special meeting Thursday, commissioners decided to keep the wagers available for now, citing the infancy of Missouri’s newly launched sports betting industry.
The decision comes just weeks after online sportsbooks went live Dec. 1, 2025. Regulators said the market is too new to justify sweeping changes based on limited data.
NCAA pushes states to ban college player prop bets
NCAA President Charlie Baker sent letters to state gambling regulators Jan. 15, urging them to eliminate player-specific prop bets on college games. The association also asked states to prohibit bets on first-half unders in college contests.
The NCAA cited increased harassment of college athletes tied to prop bet losses, as well as recent federal indictments of former basketball players accused of point-shaving. Baker said the bets create incentives for manipulation and unnecessary pressure on unpaid athletes.
So far, only four states — Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio and Vermont — have agreed to ban college player props. Nevada regulators have declined to act.
Ohio regulators reported that college player props accounted for just 1.35% of total betting volume before restrictions took effect. While that suggests revenue losses would be minimal, Missouri officials said they want to review state-specific data before making any decision.
Regulators emphasize caution in newly launched market
Commission Chairwoman Jan Zimmerman said the panel needs more information before restricting betting options.
“Today’s conversation shows how much we still don’t know,” Zimmerman said. She described Missouri’s sports betting market as barely underway, adding, “We can’t even call it infancy — we’re barely born here.”
State law required the commission to respond within seven days of the NCAA’s letter. Commissioners met the deadline but chose to gather additional details rather than impose immediate restrictions.
Zimmerman said she wants to understand how other states handled similar requests and whether bans affected athletes, betting behavior or revenue.
Sportsbooks warn ban could push bettors offshore
Representatives from Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports and the Sports Betting Alliance opposed the NCAA’s request.
They noted that Missouri voters approved legal sports betting with college prop bets included among permitted markets. The alliance said the NCAA failed to provide sufficient evidence that the wagers harm athletes or encourage illegal activity.
Operators warned that banning the bets could drive customers to unregulated offshore sportsbooks, where consumer protections and tax revenue are absent. Caesars Sportsbook also said existing bet limits on college props already reduce the risk of large-scale manipulation.
Player props attract experienced bettors
Missouri’s 13 online sportsbooks and retail locations have seen steady activity since launch. Professional sports draw the most attention, while college football and basketball continue to generate strong betting volume.
Player prop bets are particularly popular among experienced bettors who analyze individual matchups, offering alternatives to traditional bets on game winners or point spreads.
Regulators emphasized that recent gambling scandals involved illegal operations, not licensed sportsbooks. Missouri’s regulatory framework includes monitoring tools designed to flag unusual betting patterns and protect game integrity.
Missouri leaves door open to future restrictions
The commission’s vote does not rule out future restrictions. Members directed staff to track developments in other states and collect Missouri-specific data.
If evidence emerges showing clear risks to athletes or fair competition, commissioners said bans could be considered later. For now, licensed sportsbooks may continue offering college player prop bets.
The NCAA has indicated it will continue pressing states and lawmakers for broader restrictions. With college sports seasons underway, the debate over prop bets shows no signs of slowing.
Missouri’s decision reflects a cautious approach in a new market, as regulators seek to balance revenue goals with integrity concerns while gathering data before making long-term policy changes.
