Missouri Launches Online and Retail Sports Betting
Missouri has officially joined the growing list of states with legal online sports betting. On Monday, nine sportsbooks began accepting bets at 12:01 a.m. local time, marking a major milestone for the state. This launch makes Missouri the 39th state in the United States to legalize sports betting, and it is the only state to do so in 2025. The move follows a narrow approval of Amendment 2 by voters, with fewer than 10,000 votes separating the outcome out of nearly 2.9 million cast. The new law allows both retail and online sports betting, giving residents more options and access to legal wagering. This development is part of a larger trend as more states embrace regulated sports betting.
Key Operators and Partnerships in Missouri
Two operators, DraftKings MO and Circa Sports, received untethered licenses from the Missouri Gaming Commission. This means they can operate independently, without needing a partnership with a local casino or sports team. The other seven licensed operators have agreements with either professional sports teams or retail casino operators within the state. Notably, Bet365 partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming the first major-league team partnership in Missouri’s sports betting market. BetMGM Missouri also entered the market through a partnership with Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau, allowing it to offer its platform statewide. These partnerships highlight the growing connection between professional sports and the betting industry.
How Missouri’s Legalization Compares to Other States
The legalization of sports betting in Missouri comes as part of a larger trend across the United States. Since the U.S. Supreme Court repealed the PASPA law in 2018, states have been free to set their own rules for sports betting. Currently, seven of Missouri’s eight neighboring states have legalized sports betting, with only Oklahoma failing to pass similar legislation in 2025. Missouri’s regulatory framework is modeled after these neighboring states, drawing on their experiences to create a comprehensive set of rules. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees all aspects of sports wagering, including licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
Details of the New Law and Regulatory Framework
Amendment 2 allows for statewide online betting and permits professional sports teams to establish retail sportsbooks near their stadiums. Eligible teams include the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), St. Louis Cardinals and Royals (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis City SC (MLS), and Kansas City Current (NWSL). Six casino operators can run retail sportsbooks at their properties and offer online casinos, while two additional licenses are available for companies without partnerships with casinos or pro teams. The law restricts betting to individuals physically located in Missouri who are over age 21. It also imposes license fees and a 10% tax on wagering revenue, with most of the funds dedicated to education and compulsive gambling prevention programs.
Industry Support and Opposition
The campaign to legalize sports betting in Missouri received strong support from the state’s professional sports franchises. The “Winning for Missouri Education” campaign submitted over 340,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. Major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings financially backed the amendment, spending over $32 million combined. However, Caesars opposed the measure, spending $14 million due to concerns about competition affecting its existing retail casino business, which employs about 2,000 people locally. Despite the opposition, the measure passed, reflecting the growing demand for legal sports betting options.
First Bets and Market Milestones
The first mobile bet in Missouri was a five-leg NHL moneyline parlay placed on the Caesars Sportsbook app. The bet included a wager on the St. Louis Blues, and a $5 stake would have paid out $66.86 if all teams won. Caesars hosted special ceremonial first bet events at Harrah’s Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis, featuring former athletes like Trent Green and Christian Okoye. These events marked the official start of legal sports betting in the state and drew attention to the new market.
Responsible Gambling and Consumer Protections
With the launch of legal sports betting, Missouri has also emphasized responsible gambling. The state provides multiple helpline numbers and resources for those who may need help with gambling problems. The regulatory framework includes strict rules to protect consumers, such as age restrictions, location requirements, and funding for compulsive gambling prevention. These measures aim to ensure that the expansion of sports betting does not lead to increased harm for vulnerable individuals.
National Trends in Sports Betting Legalization
The legalization of sports betting in Missouri reflects a broader trend across the United States. Since the repeal of PASPA, more than three dozen states have legalized some form of sports betting. Each state has developed its own approach, with some allowing only retail betting and others permitting both retail and online options. The rapid growth of the industry has led to new partnerships between sportsbooks and professional sports teams, as well as increased tax revenue for states. As more states consider legalization, the landscape of sports betting in the U.S. continues to evolve.
What’s Next for Sports Betting in the U.S.?
With Missouri now live, attention turns to other states that may consider legalization in the coming years. Lawmakers in several states are debating bills that would allow sports betting, and industry experts expect the number of legal markets to keep growing. The success of states like Missouri could encourage others to follow suit, especially as they see the potential for new revenue and economic growth. As the industry matures, regulators will continue to refine their rules to balance consumer protection with market innovation.
Conclusion: Missouri’s Launch Signals Ongoing Growth
The launch of online and retail sports betting in Missouri marks a significant step in the ongoing expansion of legal sports wagering in the United States. With a strong regulatory framework, support from professional sports teams, and a focus on responsible gambling, Missouri’s approach could serve as a model for other states. As more Americans gain access to legal sports betting, the industry is likely to see continued growth, new partnerships, and evolving regulations. The story of sports betting legalization in the U.S. is far from over, and Missouri’s entry into the market is just the latest chapter in this fast-moving trend.