When will sports betting go live in Missouri? MO now legal
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Nov 6, 2024
,
04:46 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Nov 8, 2024
,
10:29 a.m.
ET
Sports betting has been a hot topic in Missouri for several years, sparking interest and debate among residents and legislators alike. In 2024, Missouri took a big step forward by setting the stage for January legalization of sports betting, but the journey toward launching an active betting system isn’t over yet.
On election day, November 5, the state's voters passed Amendment 2 with a narrow margin, in effect making sports betting legal. So, when can Missourians expect to place their first legal bets? Here’s a look at the history, current status, next steps and existing legal gambling options in Missouri.
History of legalizing sports betting in Missouri
Missouri’s path to legalized sports betting dates back to 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to decide their stance on sports betting. Since then, 38 states, and Washington D.C., have passed legislation to permit sports betting in some form, including every state neighboring Missouri, except Oklahoma.
Despite support from local sports teams and casino operators, Missouri’s journey to legalization has been slow. For several years, competing interests – casinos, sports teams and video lottery advocates – kept sports betting from gaining traction in the Missouri General Assembly. Even in 2023, a bill (House Bill 556) that passed the House didn’t make it to a Senate vote before the session ended. The legislative gridlock led many advocates to seek an alternative route through a public vote, hoping to finally bring sports betting to the Show-Me State.
Their efforts paid off in 2024 when voters approved Amendment 2. The amendment, which allows both in-person and online sports betting, received a very slim majority of 50.1% in favor. The amendment authorizes six major professional sports teams in Missouri, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, to offer retail sports betting near their stadiums. Missouri’s 13 casinos and additional mobile operators like FanDuel and DraftKings are also eligible to apply for sports betting licenses.
For a more thorough breakdown, check out our resource on Missouri’s sports betting history.
Next steps for sports betting going live in Missouri
The Missouri Gaming Commission, tasked with overseeing and regulating sports betting in the state, has a deadline of December 1, 2025 to launch the market. Once operational, sports betting will be available through retail sportsbooks at casinos, and up to 14 online platforms will be allowed to operate within the state.
In the months following the approval of Amendment 2, the Missouri Gaming Commission will need to establish regulations, set up licensing protocols and approve operators. Meanwhile, sports fans may see major sports betting companies preparing marketing campaigns and promotions to attract early users. The legalization timeline suggests that it will be lived by the end of 2025 at the latest, but potentially earlier.
Missouri Gaming Commission chair Jan M. Zimmerman told Sports Betting Dime that if all goes to plan, they may be able to launch sports betting in summer 2025. “We’re hoping for the summer. There are a whole lot of administrative things that have to happen before we can do that, not the least of which crafting the rules and regulations that will work for us in Missouri."
For the state, the financial potential is significant. According to an economic study commissioned by proponents of Amendment 2, sports betting in Missouri could generate nearly $39 million annually by its fifth year, with most of this revenue coming from mobile bets. Proceeds from sports betting will support public education initiatives in Missouri, which was a key selling point for the amendment’s backers.
Other legal gambling options today in Missouri
Although sports betting isn’t available yet, Missouri has a range of legal gambling options for residents:
Casinos: Missouri is home to 13 commercial casinos, primarily located along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. These casinos offer slot machines, table games, poker, and other forms of gaming. Popular locations include the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis.
Lottery: The Missouri Lottery provides a variety of games, including scratch-offs, daily drawings, and multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions. Revenue from the Missouri Lottery helps fund public education in the state.
Horse Racing: While horse racing is legal, there are currently no active racetracks in Missouri. However, simulcast betting on out-of-state races is available at select casinos, allowing fans to bet on races happening across the country.
Charitable Gaming: Bingo and raffles are permitted for charitable organizations, provided that the proceeds support approved nonprofit activities. This type of gaming is typically overseen by local and state authorities to ensure compliance with Missouri’s charitable gaming laws.
These forms of legal gambling offer entertainment and potential winnings but come with risks, especially for those vulnerable to addiction. Expanding gambling options through sports betting adds another layer of concern for those susceptible to compulsive behavior.
Treatment for Gambling Addiction in Missouri
With the legalization of sports betting in Missouri on the horizon, there is increased awareness around gambling addiction. Legal sports betting and mobile platforms make gambling more accessible, which can heighten the risk of addiction. Individuals who struggle with gambling addiction may find it challenging to control or even recognize problematic behaviors.
For those in Missouri who are concerned about gambling addiction, Birches Health offers a range of supportive virtual services tailored to address these issues. The licensed clinicians at Birches Health specialize in treating gambling addiction and related behavioral health concerns through telehealth. This means Missourians can access care from the comfort of their homes, making it easier for individuals and families across the state to seek help.
Birches Health provides a variety of personalized treatment options, including individual therapy, group counseling, and family support. Many insurance plans cover these services, making treatment financially accessible for most individuals. Birches Health offers several ways to connect with care:
If you or someone you know needs support with gambling addiction, reach out to Birches Health by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.
