Missouri Set to Launch Online Sports Betting in 2025
Missouri is preparing for a major shift in its gambling landscape with the scheduled launch of retail and online sports betting on December 1, 2025. The new law, delayed by the Secretary of State under an emergency statute, will not take effect until August 30, 2025. Only after this date can regulators begin screening and approving applicants for licenses. This means statewide betting will not be available for much of the 2025 football season, a key period for sports wagering.
The state will offer a total of 19 retail and 23 online sports betting licenses. The first licenses, awarded on August 15, 2025, will be exclusive untethered licenses, not connected to casinos. Other applicants have until September 15, 2025, to apply for the remaining licenses. Major operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa have already applied for one of the two untethered licenses available ahead of the July 15 deadline. This competitive process is expected to bring some of the biggest names in the industry to Missouri’s sports betting market.
Sports Teams and Casino Partnerships Drive Missouri’s Market
The legalization of sports betting in Missouri followed a narrowly approved ballot measure in November, passing by fewer than 10,000 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast. The measure received strong support from Missouri’s professional sports franchises, including teams from the MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, and NWSL. These endorsements helped lend legitimacy to the initiative and encouraged voter approval.
Under the new law, professional sports teams can establish retail sportsbooks near their stadiums within designated districts. Eligible teams include the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis City SC, and Kansas City Current. These teams may also partner with branded Missouri sports betting apps, further integrating sports betting into the local sports culture. Additionally, six casino operators in Missouri are permitted to run retail sportsbooks at their properties and offer online casinos statewide. Two online-only licenses are also available for companies not partnering with casinos or professional teams.
Regulatory Framework and Taxation in Missouri
Amendment 2 authorizes the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering, including online platforms. The law restricts betting to individuals physically located in-state who are over age 21. It establishes license fees and a wagering tax rate of 10% on revenues, with funds dedicated primarily to education after commission expenses and compulsive gambling prevention funding are covered. The law also allows for legislative adjustments consistent with the amendment’s provisions.
The “Winning for Missouri Education” group played a key role in the campaign, submitting over 340,000 signatures in support of Amendment 2. FanDuel and DraftKings financially backed the campaign, spending over $32 million combined, while Caesars opposed it, spending $14 million due to concerns about competition affecting its existing casino operations. Currently, only daily fantasy sports platforms like DraftKings Fantasy Sports, FanDuel Fantasy Sports, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy operate legally in Missouri, offering contests but no traditional sports betting until the full launch occurs statewide.
Slow Progress in Minnesota Amid Political Deadlock
In Minnesota, efforts to legalize sports betting have stalled. The latest Senate hearing on Bill SB 757 ended in a 6-6 deadlock, effectively halting progress. This marks the fifth consecutive session where lawmakers have failed to legalize sports betting. The bill, proposed by Senator Matt Klein, aimed to legalize sports betting with 11 licenses tied to tribal partners and allocated 45% of tax revenue for charitable causes. However, strong opposition arose over concerns about gambling addiction, market entry affordability, and the inclusion of college sports betting.
Critics argued that the licensing fees and revenue splits were too complex and favored large sportsbook brands over smaller operators. Some lawmakers also opposed legalizing college sports betting and described in-play betting as highly predatory. Industry advocates warned that restrictive measures could push bettors toward illegal offshore sportsbooks, resulting in lost state revenue and regulatory challenges. With neighboring states already offering legal sports betting, Minnesota risks losing potential tax revenue and regulatory control as residents turn to other markets.
Texas Renews Push for Sports Betting Legalization
Texas is also at a pivotal moment in its journey toward legal sports betting. On February 12, 2025, State Representative Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution (HJR) 134 in the Texas House, marking a renewed push to legalize sports wagering. If passed, the bill could allow the final decision on legalization to be made by public voters later in 2025. The bill now focuses mainly on retail sports betting, with no provisions for online sportsbooks or tax revenue allocation.
The proposal would allow professional sports teams, PGA Tour events hosted in Texas, and Class I racetracks to apply for licenses. Only entities existing before January 2025 would qualify, and licensed operators could partner with management service providers. Supporters argue that legalizing sports betting would help recapture millions of dollars lost to neighboring states and offshore sites, boosting state revenue for public services. Recent polls show majority support among Texans, especially if tax revenues fund public programs.
However, significant political barriers remain. Senate leader Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has historically opposed gambling expansion and has pledged not to allow HJR 134 to proceed without substantial Republican support. Even if voters approve legalization in November 2025, actual implementation may be delayed until at least 2027 due to the legislative session schedule.
National Trends and the Road Ahead
Across the United States, the push for online sports betting legalization continues to gain momentum. Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to repeal PASPA, most states have moved to legalize sports betting in some form. Missouri will be the only state launching sports betting in 2025, while other states like Minnesota and Texas continue to debate the issue. The process often involves complex negotiations over licensing, taxation, and consumer protections.
As more states develop their regulatory frameworks, they often look to neighboring states for guidance. Missouri, for example, plans to follow models established by states that legalized sports betting after the PASPA repeal. With seven out of eight bordering states already offering legal sports betting, the pressure is on for holdout states to act. The coming years will likely see continued growth in the legal sports betting market, with more states joining the movement and refining their approaches to regulation and consumer protection.