Missouri may not yet have access to legal online sports betting, but thanks to the recently approved Second Amendment, that will change in the near future.
Sports betting is expected to begin in Missouri by December 1, 2025 at the latest.
Follow the rest of this guide to learn all the details Missouri bettors need to know.
Missouri Sports Betting Details
Is sports betting legal in Missouri?
In short, not yet. The passage of the Second Amendment authorized sports betting in Missouri. However, implementation of this decision is still a long way off.
When does online sports betting start in Missouri?
Although an official start date has not yet been announced, the state has announced that legal wagering will be in place in Missouri no later than December 1, 2025.
Missouri Online Sports Betting Timeline
- May 2021: The Missouri Senate has chosen not to approve sports betting before the end of the 2021 legislative session, largely due to the addition of VLT to the proposed sports betting bill.
- April 2022: The Missouri Senate again fails to reach agreement on a sports betting bill, this time on HB 2502.
- May 2022: Hopes for legal sports betting in 2022 have ended as Missouri lawmakers run out of time to formally vote.
- October 2023:Jefferson City, Missouri, has received several new sports betting proposals, opening the door to the possibility of the issue appearing on the ballot during the November 2024 election.
- February 2024: HB 2311 passes the Select Committee on a 5-2 vote.
- September 2024: State-proposed sports betting bill has support from Missouri gubernatorial candidate.
- October 2024: The state of Missouri has launched several awareness campaigns to inform local residents about new sports betting laws.
- November 2024: Missourians narrowly voted to approve the Second Amendment with 50.1% approval. This would pave the way for legal online sports betting in the state.
- December 2025: Online sportsbooks are expected to launch in Missouri by this date.
Sports betting site could open in Missouri
FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook are likely to secure two contested “unbound” online sports betting licenses in Missouri. These are two special licenses that do not need to be associated with in-person casinos or Missouri sports teams.
Additionally, we expect several other big names in the industry to apply for licenses, including bet365 Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Is retail sports betting legal in Missouri?
Retail sports betting in Missouri is in a very similar situation to online sports betting.
The Second Amendment also allows for retail sports betting, but it did not immediately become legal once the vote was completed. Implementation will take some time.
I expect retail wagering to be available around the time online sports betting launches, and likely through the state's existing brick-and-mortar casinos.
Professional sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and St. Louis Cardinals may also establish retail sportsbooks near their stadiums.
Missouri Sports Betting Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding sports betting in Missouri.
Is online sports betting legal in Missouri?
Missouri residents have already voted to legalize the start of online sports betting, but local residents are still unable to place bets.
When is online sports betting expected to start in Missouri?
It is expected that it will be released as early as spring 2025, if not summer. However, December 1, 2025 is the latest possible release date.
What is the legal gambling age in Missouri?
The legal age for online and retail sports betting in Missouri is 21 years old.
Which sportsbooks are scheduled to launch in Missouri?
FanDuel and DraftKings are the two largest online brands that do not operate Missouri-based casinos, so they are most likely to occupy non-binding licenses in the state. Other big names like bet365, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, and ESPN BET are likely to join as well.
Does Missouri offer sports betting?
Once the Second Amendment goes into effect, retail sports betting will be legal. There's a good chance Missouri's in-person casinos will have retail gambling locations. Pro teams may also choose to create a retail sportsbook near their stadium.
