Sports Betting in Missouri: Legal Status, Options, and Future Outlook
Missouri, known for its passionate sports fans and historic franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals, has been in the spotlight when it comes to the evolving landscape of sports betting in the United States. While many neighboring states have embraced legal sports wagering, Missouri’s journey has been more complex, marked by legislative hurdles and ongoing debates. This article provides an in-depth look at the current status of sports betting in Missouri, what options residents have, and what the future may hold.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?
As of now, sports betting is not yet legalized in the state of Missouri. Despite several legislative efforts over the years, lawmakers have not been able to pass a final bill that would allow for regulated sports wagering. One of the key issues stalling progress is disagreement over the inclusion of video lottery terminals (VLTs), which some stakeholders want to regulate simultaneously with sports betting.
Efforts to legalize sports betting have gained momentum since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, but Missouri has repeatedly failed to pass a bill through both chambers of the state legislature. Proposals have ranged from retail-only betting to comprehensive mobile sports betting bills, yet none have crossed the finish line.
Can Missourians Bet on Sports?
Even though regulated sportsbooks are not available within Missouri’s borders, residents still find ways to participate in sports betting. Some of the most common methods include:
1. Crossing State Lines
Many Missourians travel to neighboring states where sports betting is legal. For example:
- Illinois offers both retail and mobile betting.
- Kansas launched legal sports betting in 2022.
- Arkansas and Iowa also provide mobile sportsbook options.
Geolocation technology restricts online sportsbooks to active jurisdictions, so Missourians must physically be in a legal state to place bets.
2. Offshore Sportsbooks
Some residents turn to offshore betting sites that accept U.S. players. However, these platforms operate in a legal gray area, lack regulatory oversight, and pose significant risks in terms of fairness, withdrawals, and dispute resolution.
3. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
While traditional sports betting remains prohibited, DFS is legal and active in Missouri. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel allow users to enter contests based on real-life player performances, which closely resemble the experience of sports betting.
Economic and Political Pressure to Legalize
Missouri is losing out on significant tax revenue as residents spend money in neighboring states. Legislative analysts and lobbyists estimate that legalizing sports betting could generate tens of millions of dollars annually for the state’s education and infrastructure budgets.
The state’s professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Blues and Kansas City Royals, have also voiced their support for legalization. Many teams want to partner with sportsbooks to create in-stadium experiences and enhance fan engagement.
Recent Legislative Activity
In the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, multiple sports betting bills were introduced, but none passed both chambers. The Missouri House has generally been more favorable toward legalization, often approving bills with strong bipartisan support. The Missouri Senate, however, has been a roadblock due to contentious debates over adding VLT regulation to the same legislation.
A growing coalition of sports teams, casino operators, and mobile sportsbook companies has continued to push for a standalone bill focused purely on sports betting, which may have a better chance in future sessions.
What Would Legal Sports Betting Look Like?
Should Missouri legalize sports betting, the expected framework would likely include:
- Retail sportsbooks at existing casinos.
- Mobile betting apps operated by licensed casinos or partnered platforms.
- Age requirement of 21+ for all wagering.
- Geolocation restrictions to ensure bets are placed within Missouri.
- Regulatory oversight by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
The tax rate and licensing fees are still subject to debate, but industry experts anticipate a competitive model to encourage participation from leading sportsbook brands.
The Future of Sports Betting in Missouri
While the legislative process has been slow, the tide appears to be shifting. With mounting pressure from constituents, neighboring state competition, and vocal support from professional sports franchises, many analysts believe Missouri will eventually join the ranks of legal betting states—possibly within the next few years.
Public opinion polls consistently show strong support for sports betting, especially among younger adults and fans of major league sports. Once lawmakers resolve internal disagreements, Missouri could quickly launch a robust sports wagering market.
Conclusion
Missouri remains one of the largest U.S. states without legal sports betting, but the appetite for reform is undeniable. As neighboring states reap the economic benefits, pressure will continue to build for Missouri to act. Whether through a clean bill or a voter referendum, legal sports betting may soon become a reality in the Show-Me State. Until then, residents will need to look beyond state lines or explore alternatives like DFS while waiting for lawmakers to finalize the game plan.
