Missouri Just Legalized Sports Betting: Here’s What Changes

Missouri passed a ballot initiative to legalize retail and online sports wagering in November 2024. Almost three million votes were cast, and it was a close call, as Amendment 2 passed by a narrow margin. This outcome was the result of many years of attempting to legalize sports betting. It paved the way for sports betting as a regulated industry just over a year later.

Sports betting in Missouri

Sports betting is legal and operational in some form in many US states. In these states, playing at a regulated US sportsbook provides players with a safe and secure experience. Sports wagering officially went live on December 1, 2025. Sports fans in Missouri can bet now in person at casinos or via mobile apps. This makes Missouri the 39th state to offer regulated sports betting in some form, and it is the 31st state to offer online sports betting. Bettors who pre-registered have already received their launch-day bonuses.

Safer and more convenient betting options

One reason why Amendment 2 was passed in Missouri could be that seven surrounding states, excluding Oklahoma, already allow sports betting. Residents of Missouri would cross state lines to place sports bets in Kansas and Illinois.

Some of them also relied on illegal offshore platforms that are unregulated and unsafe. They can disappear with customer funds without any consequences. At regulated sportsbooks, sports bettors can choose reliable payment methods when placing bets and receiving their winnings.

The new market is expected to generate an estimated $20 to $28 million in annual tax revenue for the state. The latest sports betting program allocates at least $5 million annually for problem gambling services.

Sportsbook licenses

The amendment allows for 19 retail licenses and 14 mobile licenses. Nine major sportsbooks have received permits from the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) to operate in the state. To offer sports betting, companies must partner with a sports team or a casino. Two operators, DraftKings and Circa, have won untethered mobile licenses.

Benefit for sports teams

Missouri is home to several professional sports teams, with representatives from almost all major sports leagues. The Kansas Chiefs are a well-known NFL team from Kansas City. The two major cities are each home to Major League Baseball teams. These are the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Teams like the St. Louis Blues backed legalization efforts in Missouri. Legalizing sports betting is a boon for sports teams, boosting both revenue and fan engagement. Betting on games can make them even more interesting than before. Interest in local teams and regional rivalries can drive significant action.

Types of sports betting

The sports betting market size is growing, and sportsbooks in Missouri will offer wide coverage of popular and niche sports. You’ll see familiar options like moneyline and point spreads. There will also be props, parlays, and futures.

In-game betting is available across all major operators, and dynamic markets shift in real-time as the action unfolds. This variety will allow sports bettors to bet the way they prefer – whether it’s a focus on final scores, specific players, or key moments in a game.

It’s wise for them to compare lines and odds across various sportsbooks to get the most value. Spending some time learning about the different bets and how they work will help players choose those that match their betting style and comfort level.

Prop bets in Missouri

In Missouri, sports bettors will be able to place prop bets if they don’t involve a Missouri college or university. This restriction highlights a concern about prop bets as one scandal after another rocks the sports world.

A prop bet focuses on what individual players will do in a game, such as racking up a certain number of points or rebounds in basketball. This puts pressure on young athletes, and they may be guilty of rigging their performances.

Prop bets on professional athletes are allowed in every state, but New Jersey has proposed legislation to ban them. The restriction in Missouri on prop bets on college athletes was included in the amendment authorizing sports betting.