Missouri Sports Betting

Sports betting has been gaining traction nationwide, and Missouri residents are increasingly backing the idea of a regulated market. The state has maintained an active dialogue on legalizing sports wagering, reflecting growing public interest and evolving political discussions.

Distinct milestones have marked Missouri’s progress in this area. Initial proposals in 2019, early legislative efforts in 2021, and a resurgence of debates in 2023. However, despite these developments, sports betting remains illegal in Missouri as of early 2025, with ongoing discussions about potential legalization.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?

As of early 2025, Missouri has not yet authorized sports betting. This means that residents cannot legally place wagers on sporting events within the state. There are two primary forms of wagering under consideration. One involves placing bets in physical locations, known as retail sports betting, and the other occurs through digital channels, or online sports betting, which is accessible via websites and mobile applications.

Even though sports betting remains off-limits, Missouri continues to offer a range of regulated gambling activities. Residents can enjoy casino games, participate in horse racing, or engage with Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). It allows them to experience sports-related contests without directly betting on game outcomes. This diverse selection of legal gambling alternatives reflects Missouri’s ongoing efforts to balance consumer interests with regulatory and legislative considerations.

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Missouri?

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has confirmed that sportsbook application forms will be available starting May 15, allowing retail and online operators to begin preparations. The submission window closes on August 30, giving applicants just over three months to file.

This timeline ensures the MGC has sufficient time to review applications, issue temporary licenses, and finalize regulatory approvals. The August 30 deadline is fixed by the state’s constitution following voter approval of sports betting.

Operators looking to enter Missouri’s market must act quickly. The MGC will conduct a thorough review, with temporary licenses issued after August 30 and full operations expected to launch by late fall.

Lawmakers remain split on how best to proceed, with some expressing concerns about the potential social impacts and others emphasizing the prospect of increased revenue and job creation. This ongoing political debate makes consensus difficult to achieve, and any proposal must address these varied priorities.

Another significant hurdle involves regulatory concerns. Crafting a framework that clearly outlines rules and robust consumer protection measures is no simple task. Lawmakers need to design regulations that deter fraud and illegal activities while safeguarding consumers’ interests. Furthermore, stakeholders, including industry experts, community groups, and advocacy organizations, offer differing perspectives on the potential benefits and drawbacks of legal sports betting. 

• Learn how to read odds for wagering on sports.
• Use our betting odds calculator to figure out your profits.

Some stakeholders advocate for a cautious approach to avoid unintended negative consequences, while others support expedited legalization to capture economic opportunities. Then, some analysts predict that Missouri could see legal sports betting emerge later this year or in the near future. However, the precise timeline remains uncertain as the legislature continues to deliberate on these complex issues.

Key moments:

• 2019: Early proposals and discussions began.
• 2021: Initial legislative efforts were introduced.
• 2023: Renewed debates and additional proposals emerged.
• Early 2025: Sports betting remains illegal, with discussions ongoing.

Missouri Sports Betting Update: Latest News and Developments

Recent updates from the Missouri legislature reveal an active debate on sports betting. Highlights include:

Legislative Proposals:

• Several bills have been introduced in the Missouri legislature, aiming to create a regulatory framework for sports betting that encompasses both retail and online formats.
• Proposals vary in scope. Some focus solely on brick-and-mortar betting at casinos and dedicated sportsbooks, while others include provisions for online wagering through websites and mobile applications.
• Lawmakers are carefully considering licensing requirements, taxation structures, and consumer protection measures to ensure a balanced approach that addresses revenue generation and public safety.

Regional Influence:

• States bordering Missouri, such as Kansas and Illinois, have already established legal sports betting markets, providing practical models for Missouri’s policymakers.
• The experiences in these neighboring states serve as important case studies that shape local debates and legislative strategies.
• Observers note that Missouri’s legislators are actively monitoring these regional developments to inform their proposals and to address potential pitfalls seen elsewhere.

Public Opinion:

• Recent polls indicate that a significant majority of Missouri voters support the legalization of sports betting. This signals strong public interest in regulated wagering options.
• Voter support appears to be driven by a desire for additional state revenue streams, the creation of new job opportunities, and the ability to regulate an activity that many residents already participate in unofficially.

Ongoing Legislative Process:

• The combination of varied legislative proposals, influential regional models, and robust public backing underscores the dynamic nature of the current debate.
• Despite significant progress in discussions, key challenges, such as political disagreements and the need for clear regulatory guidelines, continue to slow the process.
• As these discussions evolve, Missouri’s approach to sports betting will likely reflect a careful balancing of stakeholder interests, regional insights, and consumer protection concerns.

Can You Bet on Sports in Missouri? Workarounds & Alternatives

Even though legal sports betting is not yet available in Missouri, residents have several alternatives. One of them is traveling to a neighboring state. Residents near the state borders can legally wager in places like Kansas and Illinois, where sports betting has been well-established for several years. 

These neighboring markets offer both retail and online options with regulated sportsbooks, competitive odds, and comprehensive consumer protections. Although traveling may incur additional time and costs, many Missourians already frequent these areas, making it a practical workaround until Missouri’s own legal market launches.

• Use a StatHero bonus when initially registering.
• Find some tips when playing fantasy football.

Alternatively, DFS has been legal in Missouri since 2016, providing a regulated and accessible alternative for those interested in sports-related contests. Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog Fantasy allow players to form fantasy teams. 

They can also compete for cash prizes based on their sports knowledge and performance rather than traditional wagering on outcomes. This option not only offers a legally compliant way to engage in sports betting-like activities but also emphasizes skill over chance, making it an appealing choice for many residents.

However, while some offshore sportsbooks claim to accept bets from Missouri, these platforms operate outside U.S. regulatory oversight. This leaves users without the protections offered by state-licensed operators. 

Offshore sites are prone to issues such as non-payment of winnings, lack of secure data practices, and exploitative promotional tactics that may encourage excessive betting. Given these significant legal and financial risks, experts generally advise against using offshore sportsbooks as an alternative to waiting for the regulated Missouri market.

What Legal Missouri Sports Betting Could Look Like

Legal sports betting in Missouri could mirror successful models seen in other states. It could provide a well-regulated market that emphasizes consumer protection, industry accountability, and a broad range of wagering options. Should the legislation pass, we might see some popular and established brands appear in the market like:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM

Legal sports betting in Missouri might be offered through various channels:

• Online Platforms: Consumers could access sportsbooks via websites and mobile applications. They offer convenience through user-friendly interfaces, secure digital payment methods, and features like live streaming and in-play betting. These platforms would also incorporate geolocation verification to ensure bets are placed from within state borders.
• Physical Retail Locations: In-person wagering could be offered at Missouri’s 13 casinos and potentially at dedicated sports betting kiosks or counters. Additionally, professional sports teams might set up retail sportsbooks near their stadiums, creating localized betting environments and further engaging local fans. This dual-channel approach would enable Missourians to choose between digital convenience and the traditional, communal betting experience at a casino or sports venue.
• Diverse Betting Options: The regulated market would likely include an extensive menu of bet types, such as point spreads, moneyline bets, and totals (over/under), alongside proposition bets, parlays, futures, and live in-game wagering.

This framework presents a view of how a regulated market might be structured if sports betting becomes legal.

What’s Next for Missouri Sports Betting?

Missouri continues to deliberate on sports betting legislation. The future of a regulated market depends on achieving consensus on key regulatory and political issues. Lawmakers will need to define clear guidelines that ensure consumer protection and operational transparency. Residents are advised to monitor legislative updates and local news for further developments.

FAQ: Missouri Sports Betting

The most commonly asked questions related to Sports betting in Missouri are: