SPORTS BETTING APPS LEGAL IN MISSOURI
LEGAL STATUS AND OVERVIEW
Sports betting in Missouri became legal after the state legislature passed a bill in May 2023, and the governor signed it into law. The first retail sportsbooks opened in August 2023, with mobile and online wagering launching soon afterward. Under Missouri law, residents and visitors aged 21 or older can place bets using licensed sports betting apps and in-person sportsbooks located at casinos or licensed venues.
LICENSED APPS AND OPERATORS
Missouri’s sports betting law authorizes licensed operators to offer mobile wagering apps connected to their brick‑and‑mortar casinos or sports wagering facilities. Some of the key licensed operators include large national brands that partnered with Missouri casinos:
- DraftKings Sportsbook – Available under a partnership with a Missouri tribal or commercial casino. Offers a full range of betting options including point spreads, moneylines, parlays, props, futures, and live in‑game betting.
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Launched as a mobile app tied to one of Missouri’s commercial casinos. Provides promotional offers, daily fantasy integration (outside Missouri’s state limits), and a variety of bet types.
- BetMGM – Operating in Missouri via a licensed casino operator. Features competitive odds, same‑game parlays, and loyalty rewards programs.
- Caesars Sportsbook – Connected to a licensed venue within Missouri, with an emphasis on promotional bonuses, All‑Access Rewards integration, and extensive market coverage.
Each of these operators must comply with Missouri gaming regulations, submit to regular audits, contribute to the state’s sports wagering fund, and implement responsible gambling safeguards.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Registration and Account Verification
To use any sports betting app in Missouri, users must:
- Be physically located within state borders.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Provide valid ID (such as driver’s license or passport) to verify identity and address.
- Pass geolocation checks to confirm in‑state presence.
Missouri requires in‑state registration, meaning applicants must sign up while physically in Missouri. Some apps allow ∼account pre‑creation before arrival, but betting cannot commence until geolocation confirms presence inside the state.
Taxation and Fees
Missouri imposes an 8 percent tax on gross sports wagering revenue. Operators pay licensing fees based on annual revenue thresholds and contribute to state funds for problem gambling prevention and regulation.
Responsible Gaming Measures
Licensed apps must include:
- Deposit and betting limits configurable by the user.
- Self‑exclusion tools, including state‑wide exclusion lists.
- Access to helpline information and responsible gambling resources.
AVAILABLE FEATURES AND PROMOTIONS
Most licensed sports betting apps in Missouri provide:
- Sign‑up bonus: Risk‑free bets, matched deposit bonuses, and bonus bet credits for new users.
- Daily odds boosts: Enhanced pricing or payouts on selected games.
- Parlay and same‑game parlay bets: Multi‑leg bets with combined odds.
- In‑game live betting: Wagering on plays and markets during the live event.
- Futures markets: Season‑long bets on championships, MVPs, and statistical totals.
- Custom bet requests (where allowed): Users may request specific prop bets not listed.
TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR INDIVIDUALS
Winnings from sports betting in Missouri are subject to federal income tax. Operators issue IRS Form W‑2G for single bets exceeding certain thresholds (typically $600 or more at odds of 300‑1 or better). Missouri does not currently withhold state income tax on sports betting winnings, but individuals must report winnings on their state and federal returns.
COMPARISON OF APPS AT A GLANCE
| Feature | DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign‑up offers | Risk‑free up to $1,000 or matched deposit | Bonus bet credits + matched deposit | Matched deposit + bonus bets | Matched deposit + loyalty points |
| Same‑game parlay availability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live/In‑game betting | Full coverage | Full coverage | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Loyalty/rewards integration | DraftKings Rewards | FanDuel Points | MGM Rewards | Caesars Rewards |
| Mobile app experience | Premium UI, fast navigation | Intuitive, clean | Deep market selection | Broad promotional integration |
COMMON QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
- Can I use these apps outside Missouri?
No. Missouri law requires users to be physically inside the state to place bets. Geolocation tools prevent wagering from out‑of‑state. - Can anyone under 21 wager on these apps?
No. Users must be 21 or older. - Are college sports legal to bet on?
Yes, on many college and NFL events. Missouri prohibits bets on in‑state college teams only if the event occurs within Missouri and the team is based there. Bets on other college games remain legal. - Can I cross‑bet across apps?
Yes. You can register with multiple licensed apps, provided you meet each app’s verification and geolocation requirements. However, linked accounts may share self‑exclusion and responsible gaming flags depending on operator policies.
TIPS FOR SAFE BETTING
- Bet only with licensed, regulated apps.
- Set deposit limits and time‑out periods to manage spending.
- Keep thorough records of bets and outcomes to assist with tax reporting.
- Use problem gambling resources if wagering becomes harmful or compulsive.
REGULATORY LOOKAHEAD
Further legislative refinements may expand mobile features, enhance taxation methods, or modify allowable event types. As of mid‑2025, the framework remains stable, with the four major providers competing for market share under strict state oversight.
Missouri sports betting apps are now firmly established, offering a full suite of wagering options tied to licensed casinos. With robust regulation, tax clarity, and responsible gambling tools, Missouri residents and visitors can safely navigate the growing landscape of legal online sports wagering.
