The US state of Missouri is poised for a monumental economic injection as its newly legalised sports betting market prepares to launch, with independent projections forecasting a staggering first-year handle of $3.88 billion.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Debut
According to analysis from the independent betting comparison site BetMissouri, the Show Me State's regulated sports betting scene will go live on 1 December 2025. The Missouri Gaming Commission has already granted licences to major online operators, including industry giants DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
The detailed projections, formulated by BetMissouri analyst Christopher Boan, anticipate nearly $65.7 million in wagers will be placed in the first week alone. Boan based his calculations on Missouri's 2025 census population data and the average betting volumes from five states with similar populations: Maryland, Indiana, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Tennessee.
The Numbers Behind the Forecast
Those comparable states saw an average handle of just over $1.1 billion in the first four months after their own markets launched, equating to roughly $279.6 million per month. Applying this model to Missouri suggests the state will easily surpass $1 billion in handle within its first four months, with an estimated monthly take of around $262.6 million.
Boan acknowledges that the projection "isn't a perfect science," noting variables such as the market disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in other states and the absence of retail betting options in some. However, the timing of the launch appears fortuitous, coinciding with crucial periods in the seasons of Missouri's biggest sports teams, which is expected to significantly drive wagering activity.
Sports Calendar to Fuel Bettor Enthusiasm
The state's NHL team, the St. Louis Blues, will host the Anaheim Ducks on the very day sports betting goes live. Their busy schedule continues with three more games within the launch's first week, facing the Boston Bruins (4th December), Ottawa Senators (6th December), and Montreal Canadiens (7th December).
Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs will have a prime opportunity to bet on Sunday Night Football on 7th December, when the team takes on the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium, capping off a blockbuster first week for Missouri's newest legal industry.
