Highlights
Sports betting jumps legal hurdle in Missouri, official launch date set to December 1st.
According to the MGC, the state will offer 19 retail licenses -tied to its 13 casinos and six (6) pro-sports teams- alongside 21 online licenses with two "untethered" licenses.
DraftKings and FanDuel are likely to be the forerunners on launch day.
Legal sports betting in Missouri is soon to become a reality, with the market going live on December 1 (the date to watch). The long-awaited milestone comes after a heavily contested election that marked a historic win in November 2024.
So, what's next? It's worth clarifying that while the state voted to legalize sports betting, proper channels are in effect with sportsbooks seeking partnerships and licensing before the final list is released on the d-day (Dec. 1). Here's all you need to know, the sportsbooks entering the market, and what it means for Missouri residents.
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History in the Making: Sports Betting Jumps Legal Hurdle in Missouri (with More in the Works!)
The Missouri sports betting ballot was perhaps the most closely contested campaign in the state's recent history. The "yes" campaign, led by Winning for Missouri Education, locked in the lead with just over 50.1% of voters supporting/approving Amendment 2. Saying the "win" was a close margin is an understatement, as fewer than 10,000 votes (or way less by the final tally) tipped the scales in favour of the "yes" camp.
This effectively marks Missouri as the 39th state to legalize sports betting, though the official launch day is set for later in fall. Notable developments included an emergency rule-making attempt by the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) to expedite sports betting launch, i.e., by June 2025. Still, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected this on the grounds that the MGC's claims did not meet an "emergency" criterion.
Even so, the approval of Amendment 2 remains a big win both for sports fans and industry leaders, with the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel heavily funding the campaign. Alongside a coalition of Missouri's six professional sports teams, i.e., the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Current, St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, and St. Louis City SC, they helped gather over 340,000 signatures to put Amendment 2 on the ballot.
Missouri Sports Betting Licenses Explained: How They Will Work
If the momentum is anything to go by, the Missouri sports betting market will be of high interest to betting operators. At current, the state announced limited slots:
- 19 retail licenses: these are tied to its 13 casinos and six (6) professional sports teams.
- 21 online licenses: with two "untethered" licenses that don't require a casino or sports team partnership.
In retrospect, the structure will see to it that all types of bettors are catered to: whether you prefer in-person betting at stadiums and casinos, or lean more online (incl. mobile apps) from the comfort of your home. Revenue-wise, early projections show upward of $560 million annually from the betting handle, with a 10% tax rate on gross revenue.
The revenue generated, after regulatory costs and compulsive gambling fund deductions, will be funneled to the public education sector, which is a big win for Missouri's schools. For bettors, legal betting is just around the corner, and you can finally back your favorite teams, e.g., the Kansas City Chiefs, without crossing state borders.
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Top 5 Missouri Betting Sites: Who Are They and Why
Ahead of the official announcement, i.e., complete list of the licensed operators on the launch day, chatter is high on the possible sportsbooks to have secured a spot. The Dimers team has singled out the best
Missouri betting sites
likely to lead the charge and what makes them special. Here's a quick highlight:
📱 FanDuel: Strong DFS Roots & Casino Partnerships
Already strong in MO, the DFS (daily fantasy sports) brand could extend its online sportsbook to Missouri residents. Most notably, FanDuel's partnership with Boyd Gaming's casinos positions it for a strong entry. The sportsbook is known for its intuitive app, generous promos, and excellent market coverage, which, along with live streaming, make it a fan favorite.
📊 DraftKings: Legalization Backer with Big Reach
Another DFS giant, DraftKings, is sure to be an early entrant in Missouri sportsbooks. Currently, DraftKings already operates a retail casino just across the border in East St Louis, Illinois. Even more, the brand invested millions in Missouri's legalization efforts. Expect a great mobile sportsbook, with attractive daily promos & boosts, plus exhaustive betting markets.
🏈 BetMGM: Sports Leagues, Rewards & Casino Links
With close ties to the NFL and MLB, plus a partnership with Century Casino (Cape Girardeau) — BetMGM is sure to be on the list on launch day. Missouri bettors can expect a slick mobile app, many betting markets, and perhaps one of the best loyalty programs, MGM Rewards.
⚽ Bet365: Cardinals Partner & Global Reach
As the official betting partner of the St. Louis Cardinals, it wouldn't be a stretch to say the brand got in early. The trailblazer stands out for unique pricing (best odds and price boosts), an extensive selection of player props, live streaming, and a mobile app. That Bet365 is the official sports betting partner of the UEFA Champions League could also be of interest to Missouri bettors invested in European football.
🎰 Caesars: A Missouri Classic with Rewards
With a long-established history of operating retail casinos in Missouri, chances are high that Caesars Sportsbook will make the list on launch day. Like BetMGM, the official sportsbook of Caesars Entertainment, offers a trusted brand with a focus on rewards programs.
Other likely contenders include ESPN BET (via PENN Entertainment), which has a strong local presence, including local casinos in Missouri and a partnership with the Kansas City Royals. More honorable mentions include Bally Bet, Underdog, and Fanatics.
Sports Betting in Missouri to Go Live: the Future Is Bright
December 1st is right around the corner: the wait is nigh! Missourians walked out en masse to pass Amendment 2, and the fruits are about to bear. The possibilities to stakeholders and bettors are numerous, with Missourians as a whole set to benefit greatly, especially the education sector (where the funds/revenue are to go!).
Moreover, as the market matures, we can expect more brands to venture in and with it, tailored bonuses for MO residents. More to the benefits, the 2026 FIFA World Cup hangs on the horizon, with the Arrowhead Stadium set to hold six matches. These include four group stage matches, one round of 32 match, and one quarter-final match. So to say, the amendment came at a time most needed.
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