Missouri Set to Launch Legal Online Sports Betting in 2025
Missouri is preparing for a major change in its gambling landscape. On November 5, 2024, voters approved the Sports Betting Initiative (Amendment 2), which legalizes both retail and online sports betting. The official launch date for legal sports betting is December 1, 2025. This means that residents will soon be able to place bets at casinos, pro-sports venues, and through mobile apps. The Missouri Gaming Commission is now working on licensing operators and creating regulations. A 10% tax on gross gaming revenue will support education and problem-gambling programs, which is a key part of the new law.
Major sportsbook brands like FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, and bet365 are expected to enter the market. These companies are forming partnerships with local casinos and sports teams to secure access. Only two licenses will be available without a partnership, making these deals important for market entry. Applications for licenses are due by July 15, 2025, and a public hearing is scheduled for July 17, 2025. Bettors can expect competitive welcome bonuses, such as “bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets” or “up to $1,500 back if your first bet loses.” Until the launch, daily fantasy sports apps like Underdog Fantasy and Sleeper Fantasy remain available.
Minnesota Faces Another Setback in Legalizing Sports Betting
Efforts to legalize online sports betting in Minnesota have stalled once again. On February 13, 2025, the Senate Committee on Government and Local Affairs held a hearing for Bill SB 757. The bill aimed to legalize sports betting and tie licenses to tribal partners, with 45% of tax revenue going to charitable causes and 15% to horse racing tracks. However, the committee ended in a 6–6 deadlock vote, leaving no clear path forward. This marks the fifth straight session where lawmakers have failed to pass a sports betting bill.
Supporters, including Senator Matt Klein, argued that legalizing sports betting would bring in much-needed tax revenue and help regulate the market. Critics raised concerns about gambling addiction, the complexity of licensing fees, and the inclusion of college sports betting. Senator Erin Maye Quade opposed legalizing college sports betting and described in-play betting as “the most predatory” form of gambling. Industry advocates warned that too many restrictions could push bettors to illegal offshore sites, costing the state revenue. A second bill, introduced by Senator John Marty, called for stricter consumer protections, such as banning gambling ads at events with many minors and in public buildings. With no resolution in sight, Minnesota residents remain without legal sports betting options, while neighboring states move ahead.
Texas Moves Closer to a Sports Betting Vote
In Texas, the push for legal sports betting is gaining momentum. On February 12, 2025, State Representative Sam Harless filed the Sports Betting Amendment Bill, HJR 134, in the Texas House. This bill could put the decision to legalize sports betting directly in the hands of Texas voters later in 2025. The proposal focuses on retail (in-person) sports betting, leaving out online sportsbooks for now. This omission, along with a lack of details about tax allocation, has sparked debate.
Licenses would be available to professional sports teams, PGA Tour event hosts, and Class I racetracks, but only entities existing before January 2025 would qualify. Supporters argue that legalizing sports betting would help Texas recapture millions of dollars lost to neighboring states and offshore sites. Polls show that most Texans support legalization, especially if tax revenues fund public services. Governor Greg Abbott has shown openness to online sports betting, citing successful models in states like New York and Michigan.
However, political barriers remain. Senate leader Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposes the bill unless it has strong Republican support and has vowed not to allow a public vote without it. Even if voters approve the measure in November 2025, implementation could be delayed until at least 2027, since the Texas legislature only meets in odd-numbered years. While optimism is growing, unresolved issues around tax allocation and licensing mean there is still a long road ahead before Texans can legally place bets.
National Trends and Neighboring State Influence
The push for legal online sports betting is part of a larger trend across the United States. Many states have already legalized sports betting, both online and in-person, and are seeing significant tax revenue as a result. States like New York and Michigan have become models for others, showing how regulated markets can benefit public services and reduce illegal gambling. As more states move forward, those that lag behind risk losing revenue to neighbors or unregulated offshore sites.
In states like Missouri, partnerships between sportsbooks and local teams are becoming common. The Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals have all formed deals with major sportsbook brands. These partnerships help drive fan engagement and create new revenue streams for both teams and operators. Meanwhile, states like Minnesota face challenges from lawmakers who worry about the social impact of gambling, even as residents cross state lines to place bets.
What’s Next for Online Sports Betting in the USA?
The future of online sports betting in the United States remains dynamic. States like Missouri are moving quickly to launch legal markets, while others like Minnesota and Texas continue to debate the best path forward. The main issues include how to allocate tax revenue, protect consumers, and balance the interests of large and small operators. As more states legalize sports betting, pressure will grow on holdouts to act or risk losing out on tax dollars and regulatory control.
For now, residents in states with legal sports betting can look forward to new apps, competitive bonuses, and more ways to engage with their favorite teams. Those in states still debating legalization will have to wait and watch as lawmakers continue to negotiate. The landscape is changing quickly, and the next year will be critical for the future of online sports betting in the United States.