Missouri Set to Launch Online Sports Betting in December 2025
Missouri is preparing for a major shift as it moves toward legalizing both retail and online sports betting. The new law, approved by voters in a close ballot measure, will take effect on August 30, 2025. After this date, regulators will begin screening and approving up to 19 retail and 23 online licenses. The official launch date for legal sports betting in Missouri is December 1, 2025, meaning most of the football season will pass before residents can place legal bets.
The legalization campaign was led by Missouri’s professional sports teams and received endorsements from all major league franchises in the state, including MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, and NWSL. The measure passed by fewer than 10,000 votes out of 2.9 million cast, showing how divided the state was on the issue. Until the launch, Missourians can only use daily fantasy platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, with traditional sports betting remaining unavailable.
Once live, major brands such as DraftKings MO Sportsbook, FanDuel MO Sportsbook, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics, and ESPN BET are expected to enter the market. The law allows for statewide online betting, retail sportsbooks near stadiums, and casino-based sportsbooks. Two licenses will be available for online-only operators not partnered with a casino or pro team. The Missouri Gaming Commission will regulate the industry, and a 10% wagering tax on revenues will fund education and responsible gambling programs.
Mississippi Advances Mobile Sports Betting Legislation
Mississippi is making progress toward legalizing mobile sports betting. The state already allows retail sports betting at licensed casinos, but online wagering is currently limited to casino properties. This restriction has led many residents to use offshore sportsbooks or travel to neighboring states, resulting in lost revenue for Mississippi.
A new bill aims to allow residents to place bets from anywhere within the state using smartphones or computers. If passed, this legislation could generate up to $80 million in annual tax revenue, which would be used for education and infrastructure improvements. The state’s established casino industry, especially along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River, is well-positioned for this transition. However, some operational challenges and opposition remain, even as industry stakeholders show strong support.
Legislative committees are reviewing the bill, and supporters are optimistic due to the success of online betting in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. If the bill passes with proper licensing and regulations, legal online sportsbooks could launch as early as 2025. This move would expand the state’s gaming industry, boost state revenues, and make Mississippi more competitive with neighboring states.
Minnesota Faces Ongoing Deadlock on Sports Betting Legalization
Efforts to legalize 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, which ended in a 6–6 deadlock. This marks the fifth consecutive session where legalization efforts have failed to move forward.
Senator Matt Klein led the proposal, which would have tied 11 sports betting licenses to tribal partners and allocated 45% of tax revenue to charitable causes. An additional 15% was set aside for horse racing tracks. Despite these provisions, the bill faced strong resistance due to concerns about gambling addiction, market entry costs, and the inclusion of college sports betting.
Critics argued that the licensing fees and revenue splits favored large sportsbook brands over smaller operators. 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 continued restrictions would drive bettors to illegal offshore sportsbooks, resulting in lost revenue for the state.
A second bill, introduced by Senator John Marty, called for stricter consumer protections, such as banning gambling ads at events with a high percentage of minors and in public buildings. Despite being surrounded by regions where sports betting is legal, Minnesota remains without regulated options, pushing residents toward illegal markets or neighboring states.
Texas Considers Sports Betting Amendment, Faces Political Hurdles
In Texas, the push for legal sports betting continues with the filing of the Sports Betting Amendment Bill, HJR 134, by State Representative Sam Harless on February 12, 2025. This bill marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to bring legal sports betting to the state. Historically, Texas has faced many obstacles and bureaucratic challenges, but renewed momentum and fresh proposals are rallying more support.
HJR 134 could put the final decision on legal sports betting directly in the hands of Texas voters later in 2025. The bill now focuses mainly on retail (in-person) sports betting, removing earlier provisions for online sportsbooks. This change, along with a lack of details about tax allocation, has sparked debate across the state.
Licensing eligibility would extend to professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks, but only entities existing before January 2025 would qualify. Supporters argue that legalizing sports betting would help recapture millions of dollars currently lost to neighboring states and offshore sites. Polls show a majority of Texans support legalization, especially if tax revenues fund public services.
Governor Greg Abbott has expressed openness to online sports betting, referencing successful models in states like New York and Michigan. However, key political barriers remain, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick opposed unless there is strong Republican support. Even if voters approve the amendment in November 2025, implementation may not occur until at least 2027 due to the legislature’s biennial schedule.
National Trends and the Road Ahead
The movement to legalize online sports betting continues to gain momentum across the United States. States like Missouri and Mississippi are making significant progress, while others like Minnesota and Texas face ongoing challenges. The main drivers for legalization include the desire to capture lost revenue, fund public programs, and provide consumer protections.
As more states consider or implement legal sports betting, the industry is expected to grow rapidly. Major sportsbook brands are preparing to enter new markets, and state regulators are working to build strong frameworks to ensure fair play and responsible gambling. The coming years will likely see more states joining the legal sports betting landscape, shaping the future of gaming in the USA.