Sports Betting in Missouri: Legislative Updates and Launch Information

Missouri may not yet have access to legal online sports betting, but thanks to the recent passage of Amendment 2, that will change in the near future.

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

Follow the rest of this guide as I cover all the details Missouri gamblers need to know.

More about sports betting in Missouri

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, implementation of this decision has yet to come.

When will online sports betting launch in Missouri?

While no official launch date has been announced yet, the state has made it clear that legal betting will be live in Missouri no later than December 1, 2025.

Online Sports Betting Timeline in Missouri

• May 2021: The Missouri Senate is choosing not to approve sports betting by the end of the 2021 legislative session, primarily due to the addition of VLTs to the proposed sports betting bill.
• April 2022: The Missouri Senate once again fails to reach agreement on sports betting legislation, this time with HB 2502.
• May 2022: Missouri lawmakers are running out of time before they can officially vote, ending hopes of legal sports betting going live in 2022.
• October 2023: Jefferson City, Missouri is receiving several new sports betting proposals, opening the door to voting in the November 2024 elections.
• February 2024: HB 2311 makes its way through a special committee on a 5-2 vote.
• September 2024: The state’s proposed sports betting bills are gaining support from Missouri gubernatorial candidates.
• October 2024: Missouri is launching several awareness campaigns to inform locals about the new sports betting laws.
• November 2024: Missouri residents narrowly vote for Amendment 2, with 50.1% in favor. This paves 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 sites that could launch in Missouri

There is a good chance that FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook will secure the two “unfettered” online sports betting licenses in Missouri. These are two special licenses that do not have to be tied to a personal Missouri casino or sports team.

In addition, I 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 is in a similar place to online sports betting in Missouri.

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions about sports betting in Missouri

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

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?

While Missouri residents have already voted to legalize the launch of online sports betting, local residents cannot yet place bets.

When is online sports betting expected to launch in Missouri?

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

What is the legal gambling age in Missouri?

The legal betting age for both online and retail sports betting in Missouri is 21 years old.

Which sportsbooks are expected to launch in Missouri?

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

Will Missouri get retail sports betting too?

Retail sports betting will be legal when Amendment 2 comes into effect. There’s a good chance that Missouri’s in-person casinos will house locations for retail betting. Professional teams could also choose to create sports betting sites near their stadiums.