Missouri Sports Betting: Legislation Updates & Launch Info

Missouri may not have access to legal online sports betting just yet, but thanks to the recent approval of Amendment 2, that’s going to change in the near future.

At the very latest, Missourians will see sports betting launch in the state by December 1, 2025.

Follow along with the rest of this guide, where I cover all of the details that Missouri bettors should know.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?

In short, not yet. Sports betting has gained approval in Missouri thanks to the passage of Amendment 2. However, the implementation of this decision has yet to come.

When Will Online Sports Betting Launch in Missouri?

While no official launch date has yet to be announced, the state has made it clear that legal wagering will be live in Missouri by December 1, 2025 at the absolute latest.

Missouri Online Sports Betting Timeline

May 2021: The Missouri Senate opts to not approve sports betting by the end of the 2021 legislative session, mostly due to the addition of VLT’s to the proposed sports betting bill.
April 2022: The Missouri Senate once again fails to agree on sports betting legislation, this time with HB 2502.
May 2022: Missouri lawmakers run out of time before making an official vote, thus ending any hopes of legal sports betting going live in 2022.
October 2023: Jefferson City, Missouri receives several new sports betting proposals, opening the door for the matter to land on the ballot during the November 2024 election.
February 2024: HB 2311 makes its way through a special committee with a 5-2 vote.
September 2024: The state’s proposed sports betting bills receives backing from Missouri gubernatorial candidates.
October 2024: Missouri launches several public awareness campaigns to inform locals about its new sports betting laws.
November 2024: Missouri residents narrowly vote to approve Amendment 2 with 50.1% in favor. This paves the path for legal online sports betting in the state.
December 2025: Online sportsbooks are expected to launch in Missouri by this date.

Sports Betting Sites That Could Launch in Missouri

There’s a strong possibility that FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook will secure the two “untethered” online sports betting licenses up for grabs in Missouri. These are two special licenses that are not required to be tied to any in-person casino or Missouri sports team.

Beyond that, I anticipate 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 is in a very similar place as online sports betting in Missouri.

Amendment 2 also allows for retail sports betting, but that doesn’t mean it became legal as soon as the vote was finalized. The implementation will take some time.

I expect retail wagering to be available right around when online sports betting goes live, most likely through the state’s existing brick and mortar casinos.

There’s also a possibility that professional sports teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and St. Louis Cardinals will establish retail sportsbooks near their stadiums.

Missouri Sports Betting FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Missouri sports betting:

Is online sports betting legal in Missouri?

While Missouri residents have already voted to legalize the launch of online sports betting, locals can’t place bets just yet.

When is online sports betting expected to launch in Missouri?

The hope is that the launch could come as early as spring 2025, if not summer. However, December 1, 2025 is considered to be the latest possible launch date.

What will the legal betting age be in Missouri?

The legal betting age for both online and retail sports betting in Missouri will be 21 years of age.

Which sportsbooks are expected to launch in Missouri?

FanDuel and DraftKings will most likely occupy the state’s untethered licenses, as they are the two biggest online brands that do not operate Missouri-based casinos. Other big names like bet365, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, and ESPN BET could be in the mix as well.

Is Missouri also getting retail sports betting?

Retail sports betting will be legal when Amendment 2 goes into effect. There’s a good chance that Missouri’s in-person casinos will house locations for retail wagering. Also, professional teams could opt to create retail sportsbooks near their stadiums.

Missouri Sports Betting: Legislation Updates & Launch Info | November 2024

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