Missouri Sports Betting: Legislation Updates & Launch Info 2025

Introduction to Sports Betting in Missouri

Missouri has officially joined the ranks of states that have legalized sports betting. With the passage of Amendment 2, the state’s constitution now allows for sports wagering, paving the way for a new era of entertainment and economic growth. 

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will oversee the regulation of sports betting, ensuring that the industry operates fairly and responsibly. As the state prepares to launch sports betting, residents can look forward to a wide range of betting options.

Missouri Sports Betting Breakdown

Missouri’s path to legalizing sports betting has been a rollercoaster. With a proposed tax rate of 10%—bettors stand to win more than adjacent states with higher tax rates, making the market appealing to operators.

The campaign for legal sports wagering in Missouri received significant financial backing, raising $55 million mainly from major sports betting sites like DraftKings and FanDuel. These funds highlighted the benefits of legalizing sports betting, including potential boosts to Missouri education through tax revenue.

Ultimately, Missouri voters have spoken, favoring the amendment, and paving the way for a regulated and potentially lucrative sports gambling market.

Missouri Online Sports Betting Timeline

• November 2024: Missouri voters approve Amendment 2 with 50.1% support.

• December 2024: The law from Amendment 2 will officially take effect on December 5, though certification may extend this to December 10.

• December 2024: The Missouri Gaming Commission initiates the rule-making process for sports betting regulations.

• March 2025: Regulators announce that emergency rules were rejected, delaying the launch of sports betting to fall 2025 at least. 

• Throughout 2025: Public consultations and stakeholder meetings will be part of the efforts to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework.

• December 1, 2025: Missouri aims to have sports betting fully operational by this date at the very latest, making it the 39th state in the U.S. to legalize it.

Status of Missouri Sports Betting

With Amendment 2 approved, Missouri is on the path to legalizing sports betting. The Missouri Gaming Commission must implement necessary regulations by December 1, 2025. The narrow victory, with just 7,486 votes separating 'yes' and 'no,' highlights the contentious nature of the issue.

The economic outlook is promising. Billions in bets are expected in what should shape to be one of the more robust sports betting markets, with over 98% projected to be placed online. This highlights the potential market size and the significant role of online platforms.

Additionally, six major professional sports teams in Missouri, including the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals, have permission to establish retail sports betting locations near their stadiums and offer branded online betting platforms.

When Will Online Sports Betting Go Live in Missouri?

The Missouri Gaming Commission aims to make sports betting available by December 1, 2025 at the very latest.

The launch timeline depends on the speed of establishing regulatory and licensing processes. If Missouri follows a similar timeline to Kansas, residents might place legal bets in time for significant events like the 2025 NBA and NHL postseasons in fall 2025. 

Sports Betting Sites That Could Launch in Missouri

Missouri’s competitive market will offer up to 21 online sports betting licenses. Major players like DraftKings and FanDuel, who heavily invested in the legalization campaign, are expected to be among the first to launch.

Other prominent sportsbooks, such as BetMGM, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and Caesars Sportsbook, are also likely to enter the Missouri market. Each professional sports franchise will be eligible for one online sports betting license, ensuring a diverse and competitive market. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will oversee the sports wagering conducted to ensure fair and transparent operations.

Types of Bets and Operators

Missouri sports fans will have access to a variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and over/under bets. The state’s six major professional sports teams, including the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, will be able to offer retail sports betting locations near their stadiums. The MGC will ensure that all sports wagering operators conduct their business in a fair and transparent manner.

How to Sign Up with a Missouri Sportsbook

Signing up with a Missouri sportsbook is straightforward. You'll need to provide personal details like your name, date of birth, and address. Most sportsbooks also require identity verification through a government-issued ID.

Once your identity is verified, create a unique username and password to access your account. To attract new users, many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses, such as bonus bets or deposit matches.

After registration, you can fund your account using various payment methods, such as credit cards and bank transfers. Some sportsbooks may require downloading a specific app for mobile betting.

Is Retail Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?

Yes, retail sports betting is legal in Missouri following the approval of Amendment 2. This legislation allows six major sports teams in the state to establish retail betting locations near their stadiums. Each of Missouri's six casino companies can also create a retail sportsbook at their casinos.

With this framework, Missouri aims to offer sports betting online and in-store by December 1, 2025 as the latest possible launch day. This dual approach is expected to generate substantial tax revenue, which will be allocated to public education.

Missouri Sports Teams to Wager on

Missouri will soon offer betting on several professional sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Sporting Kansas City, and St. Louis City SC.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are an NFL powerhouse and a favorite among bettors. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the Chiefs will look to win their third consecutive Super Bowl this season.

Fans will soon be able to place bets on the Chiefs through various online apps like FanDuel and DraftKings. The team is also eligible to establish retail betting locations near its stadium, enhancing the local betting experience.

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are coming off an exciting and unexpected ALDS appearance where they fell to the New York Yankees in four games.

Despite Missouri's current legal status, fans can bet on the Royals in neighboring Kansas, where sports betting was legalized in 2022. With +4500 odds to win the 2025 World Series, the Royals offer an intriguing futures bet option as they garner one of baseball's young stars in Bobby Witt Jr.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals, with their rich history, are a popular choice for Missouri bettors. With +7000 odds to win the World Series, the Cardinals will look to rekindle some of that 2010s magic.

St. Louis Cardinals Partner with bet365 Ahead of Missouri Sports Betting Launch

In anticipation of Missouri’s sports betting debut, the St. Louis Cardinals have signed a multi-year agreement with bet365, naming the sportsbook as the team’s Official Mobile Sports Betting Partner, giving bet365 a strong foothold in the Missouri market.

The partnership also has a ballpark signage visible on broadcasts, branding integration across Cardinals media platforms, and naming rights to the new “bet365 Bridge,” an all-inclusive seating area in right-centerfield at Busch Stadium. Plus, fans can already download the bet365 app ahead of the official launch to be ready when betting goes live.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have a loyal fan base and should generate significant betting interest after their improbable 2019 road to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory.

Sporting Kansas City

Sporting Kansas City has a strong following in Major League Soccer and should attract local bettors once the state's market goes live.

St. Louis SC

St. Louis City SC, a new entrant in Major League Soccer, is generating excitement among local fans and bettors. The team is eligible for a sports betting license and can establish a retail sportsbook at its home venue.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Missouri

Individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in sports betting in Missouri:

Age Requirements

Missouri laws align with those of many other states by setting the minimum betting age at 21. This ensures participants are legally adults, capable of making informed wagering decisions.

Geolocation Restrictions

Geolocation technology ensures compliance with state regulations. A governing body plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance and integrity in sports betting operations by collaborating with licensees and overseeing financial aspects. Bets can only be placed from within Missouri, preventing out-of-state participation. 

Responsible Gaming and Problem Gaming Support

As sports betting becomes a reality in Missouri, it’s essential to prioritize responsible gaming practices. The MGC will work with sports wagering operators to implement measures that promote responsible gaming, such as self-exclusion programs and betting limits. Additionally, the state will provide resources and support for individuals who may struggle with problem gaming. The Winning for Missouri Education committee, which campaigned for the passage of Amendment 2, has emphasized the importance of responsible gaming practices and will continue to advocate for measures that protect vulnerable individuals.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The legalization of sports betting in Missouri is expected to have a significant economic impact, generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the state. A portion of this revenue will be allocated to support education, a key priority for the state. The sports betting industry will also create new job opportunities, from sportsbook managers to marketing professionals. The MGC estimates that the industry will create hundreds of jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the state’s economic growth.

Sports Betting in Surrounding States

Several neighboring states have already embraced sports betting, offering options for regional bettors. Understanding their regulations and opportunities can provide valuable insights for Missourians awaiting their own market launch.

Kansas

Kansas legalized sports betting in September 2022, allowing retail and online wagering. Billions have been wagered since, generating about millions in tax revenue. This demonstrates the significant economic impact on state revenue and the ongoing discussions to legalize sports wagering.

The Kansas Lottery oversees sports betting applications and daily operations, while the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission regulates the overall framework. Bettors can wager on in-state college teams, including the popular Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.

The legal betting age is set at 21, similar to Missouri's regulations.

Illinois

Illinois offers a robust sports betting market with both mobile and in-person options. Legalized on June 28, 2019, retail betting began in March 2020, followed by online betting in June 2020.

In Illinois, bettors must be at least 21 years old. Nine online sportsbooks offer diverse options. However, wagers on in-state college teams must be made in person, not online.

Iowa

Iowa was one of the first Midwestern states to legalize sports betting, offering online and retail options since 2019. 

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees sports betting regulations, ensuring operators comply with state laws. Location detection procedures are implemented to monitor players' locations, maintaining the integrity of the betting process.

Kentucky

Kentucky recently legalized sports betting in 2023, allowing both in-person and mobile wagering. Retail sports betting commenced on September 7, 2023, coinciding with the start of the NFL season, while mobile betting began on September 28, 2023.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates sports betting in the state, ensuring fair and transparent operations. Bettors can place wagers on various sports, including professional leagues and college sports, but not on youth amateur events.

Tennessee

Tennessee's sports betting market operates solely online, launching in November 2020 without any retail betting options. This unique approach has allowed the state to focus on optimizing its online betting infrastructure.

Bettors in Tennessee must be at least 21 years old to participate. Geolocation services are required to confirm that bettors are physically located in Tennessee when placing wagers, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Arkansas

Arkansas allows sports betting at licensed casinos, having approved it through a public vote in 2018. Both in-person and online betting options are available, providing flexibility for bettors.

Mobile sports betting was introduced in Arkansas in March 2022. Although the state lacks professional sports teams, bettors can still wager on college teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Missouri Sports Betting FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about Missouri sports betting:

When is online sports betting going to launch in Missouri?

Online sports betting in Missouri is expected to launch by December 1, 2025 at the very latest, following the establishment of regulations and licensing by the Missouri Gaming Commission. 

Recent delays due to rejected emergency rules for the law mean that we are looking at a fall 2025 launch date at the earliest.

How many operator licenses will be available in Missouri?

The Missouri Gaming Commission will oversee the issuance of operator licenses for both retail and online sports betting. A total of 19 retail and 21 online sports betting licenses will be available, allowing each professional sports franchise and land-based casino to obtain one of each.

Which sportsbooks are expected to launch in Missouri?

Popular platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings are anticipated to be among the first sportsbooks available in Missouri. Other prominent names expected to enter the market include BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Caesars Sportsbook.

What will the legal betting age be in Missouri?

The legal betting age in Missouri is 21 years old, aligning with the age requirements in most other states. 

Is Missouri also getting retail sports betting?

Yes, retail sports betting is permitted as part of Missouri's legalized sports betting framework. The legislation allows for retail sports betting in addition to online options, enabling major sports teams and casino companies to establish retail sportsbooks.

Will college sports betting be permitted in Missouri?

As it stands, the law is not written with explicit bans on college sport betting, but it's possible they are implemented as the program rolls out.