Missouri Opens Door to Legal Retail and Online Sportsbooks

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Missouri Opens Door to Legal Retail and Online Sportsbooks

The state of Missouri officially launched legal sports betting on December 1, 2025, enabling both retail and online wagering for residents and visitors. The move marks a major shift for the state: opening access to US online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks under the oversight of the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC).

How Missouri Legislators and Regulators Implemented the Launch

The launch meets a constitutional deadline imposed after the approval of Amendment 2 during the November 2024 election. 

MGC Chair Jan Zimmerman said achieving the deadline required months of intense preparation. Regulators drafted detailed rules and licensing standards to govern online gambling in Missouri

As Zimmerman recalled, “There are hundreds of pages of everything that will regulate sports wagering in the state of Missouri.” He also noted that staff spent :late nights and weekends and some holidays” in what became the “war room.” 

Under Amendment 2, only those aged 21 or older and physically located within Missouri can place bets. The law mandates a 10 % tax on sportsbook revenue, with proceeds directed toward education, problem-gambling programs, and operating costs for the MGC. 

The commission opened operator applications on May 15, 2025, and set the go-live date of December 1. Pre-registration for customers began on November 17, giving bettors time to download sportsbook apps and complete identity verification before wagering began. 

Zimmerman emphasized strict safeguards. The MGC committed to vetting all licensees, including reviewing financial background and criminal history. These measures ensure only qualified operators receive licenses. 

What Local Bettors Now Have Access To

Since launch day, Missouri bettors can access a full slate of legal options. Mobile and desktop wagering via licensed US online sportsbooks is live statewide. In addition, retail sportsbooks at casinos and other approved venues have opened across the state. 

Major national operators began accepting bets immediately. Brands such as DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, and Fanatics Sportsbook, among others, are among the first to go live statewide. 

Bettors can place wagers on professional sports, approved college sports, and international events. The platforms support live betting, same-game parlays, and a range of bet types. However, the law forbids wagers on in-state college athletes’ individual performance (player props) and prohibits bets on high-school athletics. 

Operators are subject to regulation and responsible gaming measures. Age and location verification, secure payment systems, and self-exclusion tools are required. A portion of taxes will fund problem-gambling programs through an annual minimum allocation. 

With launch complete, Missouri joins the growing list of U.S. states offering full-scale retail and online sportsbooks. Demand appears strong, as bettors no longer need to drive out of state. The new legal framework creates convenience, competition, and regulated access while aiming to protect consumers.