Missouri sports betting has been considered for several legislative sessions in a row without much progress. However, the tide has turned in 2024, and a vote on Election Day in less than two months could finally legalize the industry.
A ballot initiative proposed by a coalition named Winning for Missouri Education garnered 340,000 signatures and will face Missouri voters in November. This was made official by the Missouri Secretary of State, which ratified the signatures in August. If the measure is approved, Missouri sports betting would get the green light to go live (and could launch as soon as early-2025).
Curious about what’s happening in the Show-Me State? We’ve got everything you need to know below.
Missouri sports betting: Quick facts
The country’s best sportsbooks and, by extension, Missouri sports betting promos, are not available. That could change with the result of the November election. For now, though, the law of the land is outlined below:
- Legal age for betting: N/A
- Online sports betting: Not available in the state
- Retail sportsbooks: None
- Remote registration: None
- Last updated: September 16th, 2024
Missouri sports betting timeline
- September 2024: A legal challenge to the Missouri sports betting ballot initiative fails, as a judge sides with the Missouri Secretary of State and Winning for Missouri Education.
- August 2024: Signatures collected by Winning for Missouri Education are ratified, verifying the initiative’s place on the 2024 ballot.
- June 2024: A poll released shows just a 3% advantage for the Missouri sports betting ballot initiative, along with many undecided voters.
- May 2024: Winning for Missouri Education submits its petition, which included more than 340,000 signatures (nearly double the required amount).
- Early-2024: The annual legislative session once again ends without a Missouri sports betting bill being passed.
- Early-2023: Several Missouri sports betting bills are proposed, with one bill authored by Sen. Denny Hoskins being amended to include sports betting language. However, Hoskins helped kill his own bill.
2024 sees significant movement
Winning for Missouri Education spent months gathering signatures for its petition. Unsurprisingly, Hoskins, a longtime obstructionist, was critical of the measure. He stated the initiative’s 10% tax rate was too low, and that the legislative route remained the right one to take (despite the long track record of bills failing in his chamber).
It’s worth noting that Hoskins is term-limited and will vacate his post prior to the 2025 legislative session. Should the initiative be voted down in November, lawmakers will almost certainly consider the issue again a few months later, this time without the presence of a major opponent.
MO sportsbook apps we should expect
We don’t know for sure which sportsbooks will launch whenever sports betting in Missouri goes live. However, based on prior launches in other states, we have a general idea, and we can assume the best online sportsbooks will be part of the industry:
- bet365 Missouri
- BetMGM Missouri
- Caesars Sportsbook Missouri
- FanDuel Sportsbook Missouri
- BetRivers Sportsbook Missouri
- ESPN BET Sportsbook Missouri
We’ll know more about Missouri sportsbooks (and, by extension, sportsbook bonuses) once legalization occurs and the industry framework is set up. Check back often for everything you’ll need to know.
Missouri Sports and Teams to Bet On
Missouri has plenty of professional and college sports teams. When sports betting in Missouri is eventually legalized, a significant piece of the action will likely come from fans looking to support their favorite players and squads.
- NFL: Kansas City Chiefs
- NHL: St. Louis Blues
- MLB: Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals
- NCAA: Missouri Tigers
Several of these teams already have partnerships with sports betting operators. Those will likely become more heavily advertised once MO sports betting becomes legal and regulated.
Responsible Gaming in Missouri
The need for responsible gambling protocols is very, very real. Legal, regulated sportsbooks must institute certain safety protocols in order to do business in the United States. That includes online apps, which will launch with the following guard rails in place:
- Self-exclusion
- Deposit limits
- Time management tools
- Educational resources
- Support and assistance
- Age verification
Additional resources are also available through the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling. People seeking help can call 1-888-BETS-OFF and/or 1-800-GAMBLER, or email [email protected]. The Missouri Gaming Association and Missouri Gaming Commission also sponsor several programs designed to help those who need it.
Missouri Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting in Missouri legal?
Not currently, no. Any legalization of Missouri sports betting would come from either the state legislature or a ballot initiative.
When will sports betting in Missouri launch?
It’s tough to say, but all signs point to 2025 if the ballot measure passes in November. Sports betting industries usually need six months to a year to prepare for a launch, which would indicate a “go live” date at some point next year.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Missouri?
It’s complicated, and in any case, we do not recommend using these operators. Offshore sportsbooks are not regulated by federal or state governments, and many do not offer the types of consumer or responsible gambling protections you’ll find at legal, regulated sportsbooks. Your assets may not be nearly as well-protected as they would be at the legal sports betting outlets we’ve mentioned on this page.
