Missouri Moves Forward with Legal Sports Betting
Missouri is preparing for a major change as it gets ready to launch legal sports betting on December 1, 2025. This follows the narrow approval of Amendment 2 by voters, with just 50.1% in favor. The new law allows both retail and mobile sports betting for residents aged 21 and older. The state will issue 19 retail sportsbook licenses and 14 mobile sportsbook licenses, including two “untethered” licenses that do not require a partnership with a casino or professional sports team. This move opens the door for more competition and innovation in the market.
Major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings have already applied for the untethered licenses, showing their strong interest in the Missouri market. Circa Sports has also applied, surprising many who expected FanDuel and DraftKings to dominate. Other big names such as BetMGM and Bet365 have secured access through partnerships with local casinos or professional teams. ESPN Bet and Caesars Sportsbook are also expected to launch soon. Each professional sports team in Missouri will receive one “skin” license, allowing them to offer both mobile and retail betting at their stadiums during the season. This includes all six pro teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, who have partnered with BetMGM.
The Missouri Gaming Commission is accepting applications for sportsbook operators until September 12, 2025. Licensing fees are set at $250,000 for retail sportsbooks and $500,000 for mobile sportsbooks, with renewals every five years. Sportsbooks will be taxed at 10%, with the first $5 million in revenue going to compulsive gambling prevention programs. The rest of the funds will support K–12 and higher education in Missouri. The legalization effort was led by the group “Winning for Missouri Education,” which raised $41 million, mostly from DraftKings and FanDuel. State casinos opposed the measure, fearing increased competition.
There is ongoing debate about the projected tax revenue, which could reach up to $28.9 million annually. Some opponents argue that promotional tax credits, which allow sportsbooks to write off losses from bonuses, could reduce the actual revenue available for schools. College sports betting will be allowed without restrictions on prop bets or wagering on in-state teams. Caesars has voiced concerns about the limitation of one skin per operator, as previous bills allowed up to three per casino. With this move, Missouri joins neighboring states like Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, and Nebraska in legalizing sports betting after years of legislative struggle.
Texas Considers Sports Betting Amendment
In Texas, the push for legal sports betting has taken a new turn with the filing of House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134). State Representative Sam Harless introduced the bill on February 12, 2025, aiming to let voters decide on legal sports betting later in the year. The bill has sparked strong debate among supporters and opponents. While the original version included online sportsbooks, the current version focuses only on retail sports betting, leaving online betting out for now.
The amendment does not specify how tax revenue from gaming would be allocated, nor does it address online sports betting. This lack of detail has led to serious discussions among lawmakers and industry experts. The bill proposes that professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks could qualify for betting licenses, but it does not outline licensing fees or financial figures. Only entities existing before January 2025 would qualify for licenses, and licensed operators could partner with management service providers.
Supporters argue that legalizing sports betting could bring back millions of dollars currently lost to neighboring states and offshore sites. They believe this could generate significant tax revenue for public services. Recent polls show that most Texans support legalization, especially if the money helps fund public needs. Governor Greg Abbott has shown an open stance on online sports betting, pointing to successful examples in states like New York and Michigan.
However, opponents worry about potential gambling problems and economic distress. Senate leader Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has historically opposed gambling expansion and says he will not allow HJR 134 to move forward without strong Republican support. Even if voters approve the measure in November 2025, implementation may not happen until at least 2027, since the Texas legislature meets only in odd-numbered years. Despite these hurdles, there is cautious optimism that Texas may eventually join states like Louisiana and Maryland in legalizing sports betting.
Minnesota Faces Ongoing Deadlock
The situation in Minnesota is less hopeful. On February 13, 2025, the Minnesota Senate Committee on Government and Local Affairs held a hearing on Senate Bill 757, which aimed to legalize sports betting. The bill ended in a 6–6 deadlock, marking the fifth straight year that legalization efforts have failed. The bill, introduced by Senator Matt Klein, proposed 11 sports betting licenses tied to tribal partners, with 45% of tax revenue going to charitable causes and 15% to horse racing tracks.
Despite these provisions, the bill faced strong opposition. Concerns included the risk of increased gambling addiction, high licensing fees, and the inclusion of college sports and in-play betting. Senator Erin Maye Quade opposed these forms of betting, calling them predatory. Critics argued that the licensing fees favored large sportsbook brands and created barriers for smaller operators. Senator Steve Drazkowski challenged the fees but noted that other states have even higher costs.
A second bill from Senator John Marty called for stricter consumer protections, such as banning gambling ads at events with many minors and in public buildings. The debate highlighted Minnesota’s position, surrounded by states and a Canadian province where sports betting is already legal. Without legalization, residents may turn to illegal or offshore sportsbooks, leading to lost tax revenue and regulatory challenges. The ongoing deadlock leaves Minnesota without regulated sports betting, while neighboring states continue to expand their markets.
National Trends and Outlook
Across the United States, the push for legal online sports betting continues to grow. States like Missouri are moving forward with comprehensive plans that include both retail and mobile betting, while Texas is taking cautious steps with a focus on retail betting first. In contrast, Minnesota remains stuck in legislative gridlock, unable to reach a consensus. The national trend shows that more states are recognizing the potential for new tax revenue and economic growth, but concerns about gambling addiction and regulatory challenges remain.
As more states legalize sports betting, competition among operators is increasing, leading to better options for consumers. The debate over how to allocate tax revenue and protect consumers will likely continue as more states consider legalization. For now, the landscape of online sports betting in the United States is changing quickly, with new developments expected in the coming months and years.