Sports betting is fully legal in Missouri following the historic passage of Amendment 2 by voters on November 5, 2024, and the statewide launch of both online and retail wagering on December 1, 2025. Regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC), the Show-Me State now features eight licensed online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks at multiple casino locations across the state. This page covers everything Missouri bettors need to know — from licensed operators and retail locations to the history of legalization, applicable laws, taxes, and the latest news in 2026.
Quick Facts: Sports Betting in Missouri
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal — retail and mobile/online |
| Launch Date | December 1, 2025 |
| Minimum Age | 21 |
| Regulatory Body | Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) |
| Number of Online Operators | 8 (as of December 2025) |
| Tax Rate on Operators | 10% of gross gaming revenue |
| Mobile Betting | Yes |
| In-Person (Retail) Betting | Yes |
Top Sportsbooks in Missouri
Missouri launched sports betting on December 1, 2025, with eight licensed online sportsbooks and multiple retail locations ready on day one — here are the best options available to Missouri bettors.
Online Sportsbooks Available in Missouri
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings secured one of the two coveted untethered licenses in Missouri, meaning it operates without a land-based casino partner. The platform went live on December 1, 2025, and also formed a partnership with the St. Louis Blues as the team’s official sports betting and DFS partner. DraftKings is known for its massive selection of markets and best-in-class live betting experience.
- Operator type: Commercial — untethered license
- Notable feature: Industry-leading live betting, progressive parlays, and DFS integration
- Live betting: Yes — fast live odds updates across all major sports
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel entered Missouri through a partnership with St. Louis CITY SC for its tethered mobile license and launched on December 1, 2025. The most downloaded sportsbook app in America, FanDuel is known for its intuitive interface, elite same-game parlay tools, and fast payouts. The operator spent heavily on launch promotions in Missouri, projecting a $30 million hit in December revenue as it built its Missouri customer base.
- Operator type: Commercial (Flutter Entertainment / St. Louis CITY SC)
- Notable feature: Best same-game parlay builder and intuitive live betting interface
- Live betting: Yes — extensive in-game markets with rapid updates
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM entered Missouri through a partnership with Century Casinos, operating at both Century Casino Cape Girardeau and Century Casino Caruthersville for retail access. BetMGM launched online on December 1, 2025, and also announced a partnership with the St. Louis Blues in January 2026, making it the team’s official sports betting partner. Known for its MGM Rewards integration and Edit My Bet feature.
- Operator type: Commercial (BetMGM LLC / Century Casinos)
- Notable feature: MGM Rewards program, Edit My Bet, and extensive sports coverage
- Live betting: Yes — live streaming and in-game wagering available
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars launched in Missouri on December 1, 2025, operating through its existing casino partnerships at Harrah’s Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis, as well as Isle of Capri Casino. The platform is especially popular for its Caesars Rewards loyalty program and daily “Super Boost” promotions, which give bettors enhanced odds on select events each day.
- Operator type: Commercial (Caesars Entertainment / Harrah’s KC, Horseshoe STL)
- Notable feature: Caesars Rewards loyalty program and daily odds boosts
- Live betting: Yes — live betting with simplified navigation and SGP options
bet365
bet365 entered Missouri through a partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals, confirmed in March 2025. The global sports betting giant went live on December 1, 2025, and is known for its industry-leading live betting interface, early line releases, and fast payouts. The bet365 brand is featured prominently inside Busch Stadium through its Cardinals partnership, including the “Bet365 Bridge” inside the ballpark.
- Operator type: Commercial / global (bet365 / St. Louis Cardinals)
- Notable feature: Best-in-class live betting with rapid in-play markets and live streaming
- Live betting: Yes — industry-leading live betting experience with early line releases
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook entered Missouri through a partnership with Boyd Gaming, operating retail sportsbooks at both Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City and Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles. Fanatics launched online on December 1, 2025, offering its signature FanCash rewards system and competitive daily promotions for Missouri bettors.
- Operator type: Commercial (Fanatics Inc. / Boyd Gaming)
- Notable feature: FanCash rewards redeemable for bonus bets and merchandise
- Live betting: Yes — early cashouts and live in-game markets
Circa Sports
Circa Sports secured the second untethered license in Missouri alongside DraftKings — a major upset, as FanDuel was widely expected to win one of the two untethered slots. Circa is a Las Vegas-based sportsbook known for offering sharp, low-vig odds and high betting limits, catering to serious bettors. Its Missouri app launched December 1, 2025, with an updated platform and universal wallet.
- Operator type: Commercial — untethered license
- Notable feature: Low vig odds and high limits for sharp bettors
- Live betting: Yes
theScore Bet
theScore Bet (PENN Entertainment) replaced ESPN BET in Missouri after PENN and ESPN mutually terminated their sports betting partnership on December 1, 2025. theScore Bet operates through PENN’s casino properties in Missouri — Argosy Riverside Casino, River City Casino, and Hollywood Casino St. Louis — with both online and retail operations launching simultaneously on December 1.
- Operator type: Commercial (PENN Entertainment / Argosy, River City, Hollywood STL)
- Notable feature: Strong parlay builder and media-driven promotions
- Live betting: Yes
Retail Sportsbooks in Missouri
| Facility Name | City | Operator/Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City | Kansas City | Fanatics Sportsbook |
| Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles | St. Charles | Fanatics Sportsbook |
| Argosy Casino Riverside | Riverside | theScore Bet |
| Century Casino Cape Girardeau | Cape Girardeau | BetMGM Sportsbook |
| Harrah’s Kansas City | North Kansas City | Caesars Sportsbook |
| Hollywood Casino St. Louis | Maryland Heights | theScore Bet |
| Horseshoe St. Louis | St. Louis | Caesars Sportsbook |
| River City Casino | St. Louis | theScore Bet |
History of Sports Betting in Missouri
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 14, 2018 | U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA; Missouri begins multi-year debate over legalization |
| 2019 | Early Missouri sports betting bill dies in the House General Laws Committee |
| 2022 | Coalition of Missouri professional sports teams and casinos files ballot proposals; Senate filibuster kills legislation |
| 2022–2024 | Multiple legislative sessions fail to produce a bill, hampered by disagreements over video lottery terminals and tax rates |
| August 13, 2024 | Amendment 2 — legalizing retail and online sports betting — is officially approved to appear on Missouri’s November 2024 ballot |
| November 5, 2024 | Missouri voters narrowly pass Amendment 2 with 50.1% of the vote (1,478,652 to 1,475,691) |
| December 5, 2024 | Amendment 2 takes legal effect; Missouri becomes the 39th state to legalize sports betting |
| May 15, 2025 | Missouri Gaming Commission opens the sports betting license application window and confirms December 1, 2025 launch date |
| August 15, 2025 | DraftKings and Circa Sports awarded the two untethered mobile licenses; FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, Fanatics, and theScore Bet secure tethered licenses |
| December 1, 2025 | Missouri sports betting officially launches statewide; eight online sportsbooks and seven retail locations open simultaneously |
| January 2026 | St. Louis Blues announce BetMGM as their official sports betting partner; DraftKings had previously signed as the Blues’ official DFS/betting partner |
Sports Betting Laws and Regulations in Missouri
Missouri legalized sports betting through Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment approved by voters on November 5, 2024. The amendment took legal effect on December 5, 2024, and directed the Missouri Gaming Commission to develop regulations and launch the market by December 1, 2025. The MGC met that deadline despite early setbacks, including a rejection of an “emergency rulemaking” request by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in February 2025, which delayed an originally planned mid-2025 launch.
The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees all licensing, compliance, and enforcement. The law allows for up to 14 online sports betting licenses — six awarded to the state’s licensed casino companies, six to Missouri’s professional sports teams, and two untethered licenses available through competitive bidding. Eight online sportsbooks launched on December 1, 2025: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and theScore Bet.
Key rules under Missouri sports betting law include: bettors must be 21 or older; all wagers must be placed within Missouri’s borders using geolocation technology; wagering on college sports is generally permitted; no individual player props on Missouri college athletes are allowed; high school sports wagering is prohibited; and retail sportsbooks may operate at licensed casinos and within 400 yards of approved professional sports venues. Operators pay a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue, which is estimated to generate approximately $29 million in net annual contributions to the state after deductions.
Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings in Missouri
Missouri has no separate gambling winnings tax — all income, including sports betting winnings, is subject to Missouri’s state income tax rate. Missouri taxes income at a flat 4.7% rate (as adjusted following recent state tax reforms). All gambling winnings must be reported as taxable income on both Missouri state and federal tax returns. At the federal level, sportsbooks are required to issue W-2G forms for net winnings of $600 or more on a single wager. Federal withholding at 24% may be automatically applied on net winnings of $5,000 or more. Bettors are responsible for accurately reporting all gambling income, regardless of whether they receive a W-2G form. Missouri bettors should also be aware that losses may be deductible against winnings if they itemize deductions on federal returns, though this requires careful record-keeping.
Latest News on Sports Betting in Missouri
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | Missouri sportsbooks post a record $21.25 million in monthly revenue despite the smallest handle since launch ($256.4 million), as the statewide hold rate climbs to 8.29% — the highest since December’s launch — pushing state tax collections to $2.13 million for the month |
| April 2026 | Handle dips to $273.4 million (down from March’s $329.4 million) but revenue holds steady near $20.3 million on a five-month-high 7.42% hold rate, a sign the market is maturing past its promotional launch phase |
| March 2026 | Missouri posts its strongest month yet with $329.4 million in handle and a 6.30% hold rate — in line with established markets like Ohio and Indiana — generating $20.76 million in revenue and $2.18 million in tax |
| January 2026 | St. Louis Blues announce BetMGM as their official sports betting partner, days after DraftKings confirmed its own Blues partnership |
| December 2025 | Missouri sports betting launches December 1, 2025 with eight online sportsbooks and seven retail locations open on day one; over 250,000 active accounts and 2.6 million geolocation checks recorded in first 24 hours |
| November 2025 | Underdog Sports withdraws its license application less than a week before launch, citing a decision to focus on prediction markets rather than full sportsbook operations |
| November 2025 | ESPN BET is replaced by theScore Bet in Missouri after PENN Entertainment and ESPN mutually terminate their 10-year sports betting partnership effective December 1 |
| October 2025 | Missouri Gaming Commission grants temporary licenses to seven additional operators, joining DraftKings and Circa which had been approved earlier |
| August 2025 | DraftKings and Circa Sports awarded the two untethered licenses; FanDuel partners with St. Louis CITY SC for tethered market access |
| May 2025 | MGC confirms December 1, 2025 as official launch date and opens application period; BetMGM partners with Century Casinos |
| March 2025 | bet365 confirms Missouri entry through partnership with St. Louis Cardinals |
FAQs About Sports Betting in Missouri
Is sports betting legal in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri voters approved Amendment 2 in November 2024, legalizing both online and retail sports betting. The market launched officially on December 1, 2025, with eight licensed online sportsbooks and retail locations now accepting wagers.
Which sportsbooks are live in Missouri?
Eight sportsbooks launched in Missouri on December 1, 2025: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and theScore Bet. Additional operators may receive licenses in the future, as Missouri law allows up to 14 total online licenses.
When did Missouri sports betting launch?
Missouri sports betting officially launched on December 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. CT. Both online mobile betting and retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos went live simultaneously.
Who won the untethered licenses in Missouri?
DraftKings and Circa Sports were awarded Missouri’s two untethered licenses in August 2025. These licenses allow the operators to offer sports betting without needing a casino or professional team partner for market access. FanDuel, which applied for an untethered license, was not selected and instead secured a tethered license through St. Louis CITY SC.
Can I bet on Missouri college teams?
Yes, wagering on college sports is generally permitted in Missouri. However, operators are prohibited from offering individual player prop bets on Missouri college athletes to protect amateur athletes and the integrity of college sports.
What is the tax rate on sports betting in Missouri?
Missouri operators pay a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue. This is among the lower rates nationally and is expected to generate approximately $29 million annually in net state contributions.
What is the minimum age to bet in Missouri?
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Missouri, whether through online sportsbook apps or at retail locations.
How is Missouri’s sports betting market performing?
After a $543 million opening surge in December 2025, monthly handle has settled into a steadier range as the market matures — $273.4 million in April and $256.4 million in May 2026. Even as handle has cooled from launch-month highs, revenue has climbed each month as promotional spending eases and the hold rate rises, with May setting a record $21.25 million in monthly revenue for the state.
Responsible Gambling in Missouri
The Missouri Gaming Commission requires all licensed sportsbooks to maintain responsible gambling programs and provide tools for bettors to manage their play. Missouri residents can access problem gambling support through the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling and similar state-funded resources. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700. All licensed Missouri sportsbooks offer deposit limits, wagering limits, session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options. Responsible gambling training is required of casino and sportsbook staff across the state. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free confidential support is always available.
