Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?│Legal Status, Launch Details,

Sports betting in Missouri is on the cusp of a major transformation. After years of legislative efforts, voters have finally approved a groundbreaking amendment that will bring legal sports betting to the Show-Me State. Here’s everything you need to know about the current status and future of sports betting in Missouri.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?

Legal Status and Voter Approval

In November 2024, Missouri took a significant step forward when voters narrowly approved Amendment 2, which officially legalized sports betting in the state. The amendment passed with a razor-thin margin of 50.05%, marking a pivotal moment for sports enthusiasts and gambling advocates in Missouri.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?

Key Legalization Details

Timeline and Launch

  • Official Legalization Date: December 5, 2023
  • Mandatory Launch Deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Expected Launch: Sometime in 2025, potentially before the 2025-2026 NFL season

Licensing and Market Access

Missouri is set to offer a comprehensive sports betting landscape with multiple licensing opportunities:

License TypeNumber of Licenses
Casino Operators6
Professional Sports Teams6
Untethered Licenses2
Total Potential Licenses14

Betting Options

Online Sports Betting

  • Legality: Fully legal and approved
  • Regulation: Managed by the Missouri Gaming Commission
  • Geographical Requirement: Must be physically located within Missouri state lines

Retail Sports Betting

  • Locations:
  • Casino sportsbooks
  • Special districts within a block of professional sports stadiums.

Age and Residency Requirements

  • Legal Betting Age: 21 years old
  • Residency: No Missouri residency required; must only be within state lines when placing bets[3]

Expected Sportsbook Operators

Major sportsbooks anticipated to launch in Missouri include:

  • FanDuel
  • DraftKings
  • BetMGM
  • ESPN BET
  • Caesars Sportsbook

Regulatory Framework

Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) Responsibilities

  • Drafting comprehensive sports betting regulations
  • Establishing licensing processes
  • Overseeing sports betting operations.

Unique Regulatory Features

  • Up to 21 digital sports betting licenses available
  • Requirement for 10% of tax revenues (or $5 million) to be allocated to a compulsive gambling fund.
  • Potential exclusion zones around professional sports venues
  • Option for sports governing bodies to influence betting parameters.

Background and Motivation

The push for sports betting in Missouri gained significant momentum after neighboring Kansas launched legal wagering, which prompted many Missourians to cross state lines to place bets. This highlighted the potential revenue the state was losing and reignited legislative efforts.

Current Status

Important Note: As of January 2025, sports betting is not yet live in Missouri. The state is in the preparatory phase, with the Missouri Gaming Commission working on drafting regulations and establishing the licensing framework.

Potential Impact

The legalization of sports betting is expected to:

  • Generate substantial state revenue
  • Provide a new entertainment option for sports fans
  • Create additional economic opportunities
  • Establish a regulated betting environment

Conclusion

Missouri is on the verge of joining the growing list of states with legal sports betting. While the wait continues, sports enthusiasts can look forward to a comprehensive and well-regulated betting environment in the near future.

Stay Tuned: The Missouri Gaming Commission continues to develop the regulatory framework, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming months.

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