After years of political debate and public demand, Missouri has officially joined the growing list of U.S. states allowing legal sports betting. In a major regulatory milestone, ten operators have been approved by the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) to launch both retail and online sportsbooks. This marks the beginning of a new era for Missouri’s gaming industry, aligning the state with its neighbors that have already embraced legalized wagering.
The Road to Legalization
Missouri’s journey toward sports betting legalization has been long and contentious. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, several attempts were made to pass legislation in Jefferson City. Bills stalled repeatedly over disagreements about tax rates, responsible gaming measures, and whether video lottery terminals (VLTs) should be included in the legislation.
Public pressure grew as neighboring states like Illinois, Kansas, and Arkansas launched successful betting markets, capturing millions in cross-border wagers from Missouri residents. Sports fans and lawmakers alike recognized that the state was missing out on significant tax revenue and economic growth opportunities.
That changed in 2025. Following bipartisan negotiations and strong support from Missouri’s professional sports teams—including the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues—the state legislature finally passed a bill legalizing sports wagering under a regulated framework.
Ten Operators Approved
The Missouri Gaming Commission’s recent announcement confirmed that ten operators have been granted licenses to operate sportsbooks in the state. These include a mix of major national players and regional platforms, signaling strong competition from day one.
According to Gaming Today, the approved operators include several well-known brands like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Each of these operators has partnered with one of Missouri’s 13 licensed riverboat casinos, as required by the state’s gaming structure.
In addition to mobile sportsbooks, physical retail betting locations will open at partner casinos across Missouri, giving fans multiple ways to place wagers. The Commission has also indicated that additional operators may receive approval in future review rounds, once compliance and technical requirements are met.
How the Missouri Sports Betting Market Works
Under the new law, both retail and online sports betting are permitted. Each licensed casino can host up to three online sportsbook “skins” (or brands), allowing a maximum of 39 potential apps across the state once the market matures.
Key regulatory details include:
- Minimum age: 21 years old to bet.
- Tax rate: 10% on adjusted gross gaming revenue.
- Licensing fees: $150,000 initial fee for operators, renewable every five years.
- Betting limits: No specific restrictions on wager size, but sportsbooks must implement responsible gaming safeguards.
- Launch timeline: Approved operators are expected to go live before the end of 2025.
The MGC has also implemented strict geolocation requirements to ensure all bets are placed within state lines and has partnered with responsible gaming organizations to offer support for individuals at risk of problem gambling.
Economic Impact
Missouri’s entry into the legal sports betting market is projected to generate tens of millions in annual tax revenue. Early state estimates suggest around $25–35 million per year in direct tax contributions once the market stabilizes, based on data from comparable states with similar populations.
The new revenue will be allocated primarily to education and veteran support programs, continuing Missouri’s historical commitment to funding public initiatives through gaming proceeds.
Beyond tax income, legalization is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in technology, marketing, and hospitality, as casinos and betting partners scale up operations.
Tourism could also benefit. With major sports teams, college programs, and a passionate fan base, Missouri is positioned to become a regional hub for sports entertainment.
The Role of Missouri’s Sports Teams
One of the unique features of Missouri’s legislation is the support from its professional sports organizations. The Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and Kansas City Royals all played active roles in lobbying for legalization.
These teams are expected to partner with sportsbooks for on-site retail betting lounges and co-branded digital promotions. Fans attending games could soon place wagers directly from their seats using mobile apps, mirroring the experiences already available in states like Illinois and Ohio.
The integration of sports betting into Missouri’s live sporting events could drive fan engagement and attendance, while also giving teams new sponsorship and revenue opportunities.
Responsible Gaming and Oversight
The Missouri Gaming Commission has emphasized that consumer protection will be a top priority. Licensed operators must adhere to strict rules covering data integrity, self-exclusion options, and advertising transparency.
All marketing materials must clearly disclose that wagering is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older, and operators are required to fund responsible gaming initiatives. These include:
- A state-run Self-Exclusion Program allowing individuals to ban themselves from all gambling platforms.
- A dedicated helpline and support fund for problem gambling treatment and education.
- Advertising review protocols to prevent misleading promotions or targeting of minors.
MGC Chairman Mike Lear described the rollout as “a careful balance between economic opportunity and social responsibility,” underscoring that the Commission will closely monitor early performance metrics to ensure compliance.
Competitive Landscape
With ten operators already licensed, Missouri’s market is shaping up to be one of the most competitive mid-sized betting environments in the U.S. Heavyweights like DraftKings and FanDuel will leverage brand recognition and advanced technology, while emerging platforms like Fanatics or BetRivers may focus on niche features, loyalty programs, and local partnerships.
The state’s casinos also stand to benefit significantly. Retail sportsbooks will increase foot traffic, encouraging cross-selling opportunities in dining, hotel stays, and entertainment.
However, analysts predict that mobile betting will dominate, accounting for up to 85–90% of total wagers within the first year—consistent with national trends.
Public Reaction
Reaction from Missouri residents and sports fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have long traveled across state borders to place bets legally, particularly in Kansas and Illinois. The new legislation eliminates that inconvenience and keeps tax revenue within Missouri.
Sportsbooks and casinos have already begun pre-registration campaigns, offering early-bird bonuses and promotions to attract users ahead of the official launch. Meanwhile, media outlets and influencers are gearing up to provide coverage, odds updates, and betting education to a rapidly growing local audience.
Critics, however, caution that easy access to mobile wagering could increase the risk of gambling addiction. Advocacy groups have called for continued monitoring and education campaigns to promote healthy betting habits.
What Happens Next
The Missouri Gaming Commission is expected to oversee a staggered rollout of operations through late 2025 and early 2026. Testing and certification for mobile apps will occur first, followed by physical sportsbook openings at partner casinos.
The Commission will also monitor early performance data, ensuring compliance with tax, advertising, and responsible gaming requirements before approving additional operators.
If the market follows projections, Missouri could surpass $1 billion in total handle (the total amount wagered) within its first full year—putting it among the top 15 U.S. states for betting volume.
A New Era for Missouri Sports Fans
For Missouri’s passionate sports fans, legalization represents more than a policy win—it’s a cultural shift. Whether cheering for the Chiefs, Cardinals, or local college programs, fans now have the chance to engage with their favorite teams in an entirely new way.
The combination of competition, regulation, and responsible oversight makes Missouri’s launch one of the most anticipated in recent U.S. gaming history. With ten operators ready to go live and the state’s sports culture already thriving, the stage is set for Missouri to become a major player in the evolving national sports betting landscape.