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Can I offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Missouri? What are the requirements?

Yes, it is possible to offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Missouri, but specific requirements must be met.

Fantasy Sports Contests

Fantasy sports contests are exempt from gambling laws in Missouri [1.1]. However, a license is required from the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) before offering fantasy sports contests for play in Missouri [1.1]. The MGC provides forms on their website that applicants must complete to demonstrate experience, reputation, competence, and financial responsibility consistent with the best interest of the Missouri fantasy sports industry and in compliance with the laws of the state [1.1]. Additionally, fantasy sports contest operators must comply with operational requirements set forth by the MGC, including measures to verify the true identity, date of birth, and address of each player seeking to open an account [3.1].

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is allowed in Missouri, but only within the grounds or enclosure of a licensed race track authorized by the Missouri Gaming Commission [1.4]. Any organization desiring to conduct pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing must apply to the commission for a race track license and provide the information required by the commission before a license may be issued [1.4]. The commission will only issue a license if it determines that the applicant would be a suitable licensee, that a licensed race track at the proposed location would be in the public interest, that the proposed race track operation is economically feasible, and that the proposed race track’s establishment would not be detrimental to the development of a sound horse racing program for Missouri [1.4].

Prizes

Missouri law authorizes the awarding of prizes other than cash or its equivalent, such as cars, trips, and other merchandise [2.2]. However, the Missouri Lottery may only award cash or its equivalent when such goods are made in the United States and sold by a Missouri business [2.2].

Manner of Claiming Prizes from the Missouri Lottery

Prizes from the Missouri Lottery must be claimed on designated claim forms that request information necessary to validate the prize claimed and assure the authenticity of the winning ticket or share [2.1]. The director may require the surrender of the ticket for some or all prizes claimed under this rule [2.1].

Prizes not assignable except to revokable living trusts or personal custodian, requirements — death of prize winner, how prize is paid.

No prize, nor any portion of a prize, nor any right of any person to a prize awarded shall be assignable, except that a prize may be paid for the use and benefit of the prize winner to the trustee of a revocable living trust established by the prize winner or a personal custodian appointed by the prize winner under the Missouri personal custodian law, chapter 404 [1.2].

In summary, to offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Missouri, a license is required for fantasy sports contests and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing must be conducted within the grounds or enclosure of a licensed race track authorized by the Missouri Gaming Commission. Prizes other than cash or its equivalent may be awarded, but only if the goods are made in the United States and sold by a Missouri business. Prizes from the Missouri Lottery must be claimed on designated claim forms that request information necessary to validate the prize claimed and assure the authenticity of the winning ticket or share. No prize, nor any portion of a prize, nor any right of any person to a prize awarded shall be assignable, except that a prize may be paid for the use and benefit of the prize winner to the trustee of a revocable living trust established by the prize winner or a personal custodian appointed by the prize winner under the Missouri personal custodian law, chapter 404.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Missouri