Sports Betting in Missouri: Legal Status and What You Need to Know
Current Legal Framework
Sports betting in Missouri is legal, as of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution that was approved by voters in a statewide referendum on August 8, 2023. That amendment legalized in-person and mobile sports wagering under the regulatory authority of the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Licensing and Regulatory Oversight
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is charged with issuing licenses, setting standards for integrity monitoring, anti‑money laundering protocols, and ensuring responsible gambling. To operate legally:
- Sportsbooks must obtain a state-issued license
- Compliance with background checks, technical audits, and financial solvency requirements is mandatory
- All bets placed must comply with limits and venue- or device-based geolocation enforcement
In‑person Betting Locations
Missouri allows retail sports betting at licensed casinos and racetracks statewide. Bettors can place wagers at:
- Major riverboat casinos
- Licensed racetracks
- On‑site sportsbook operations and kiosks in select venues
These locations are overseen by MGC to ensure compliance with state rules.
Mobile and Online Betting
Mobile sports betting is permitted in Missouri following the constitutional amendment. Key points:
- Users must be at least 21 years old
- Must be physically located within Missouri state borders when placing wagers (geolocation tracking enforced)
- State allows a finite number of online operators, each holding a valid license from MGC
- Users must register for an account on a licensed platform, including identity verification and funding procedures
Legal Betting Markets
Missouri currently allows legal betting on:
- Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, etc.)
- College athletics, except bets involving Missouri-based collegiate teams when those teams play within Missouri (the state prohibits betting on in‑state college teams at in‑state sporting venues)
- International and global sports markets including soccer, tennis, golf, boxing/MMA
Taxes and Fees
The state imposes:
- A 10% excise tax on sports betting revenue (gross gaming revenue)
- Licensees must also pay application fees, annual license fees, and potentially renewal charges
- Bettors should note that winnings may be subject to federal taxes, and platforms may issue IRS Form W‑2G for large payouts
Responsible Gambling Measures
Operators licensed by the MGC are required to:
- Offer self‑exclusion programs
- Include warning messages and limits on wagering amounts
- Provide access to gambling addiction resources and helpline information
- Ensure platforms offer features like time limits, deposit caps, and cool‑off periods
Enforcement and Legal Penalties
Violations of Missouri’s sports betting laws may result in:
- Fines and license suspensions for operators
- Criminal charges for unlicensed operations or wagers outside Missouri borders
- Forfeiture of illegal betting proceeds
- Civil penalties under both state statute and gaming commission regulations
Future Outlook
Looking ahead:
- Additional sports betting licenses may be granted, expanding the number of mobile operators and retail sportsbooks
- Missouri may explore parimutuel betting on other events or expand betting markets
- Ongoing regulatory updates could refine rules on college sports, betting limits, and operator oversight
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal since August 8, 2023 |
| Regulator | Missouri Gaming Commission |
| Allowed channels | Licensed retail sportsbooks, mobile apps (in‑state only) |
| Sports covered | Pro sports, college sports (except in-state teams in‑state), global sports |
| Tax on operators | 10% on gross gaming revenue |
| Responsible gaming | Self-exclusion, limits, helplines required |
| Penalties | Fines, suspensions, criminal charges for illegal operations |
By following the rules set forth by the Missouri Gaming Commission and staying within the legal boundaries—age requirements, in‑state location, licensed operators—residents and visitors can enjoy legal sports betting throughout Missouri.
