Sports enthusiasts in Missouri can now officially prepare for the launch of legal online sports wagering, with the state's long-awaited market set to go live on 1 December 2025.
Pre-Launch Registration Now Open
Ahead of the official start date, a pre-registration period began on Monday, 17 November, allowing residents to create accounts with licensed operators. During this phase, customers can verify their identity, claim promotional offers, and deposit funds, though actual betting will remain prohibited until the December launch.
Missouri becomes the 39th state to legalise sports betting since the federal ban was overturned in 2018. The reform was narrowly approved by voters when Amendment 2 passed in November 2024.
Licensed Operators and Market Structure
The Missouri Gaming Commission has been overseeing the licensing process. It has awarded two coveted untethered licenses, which allow operators to function independently without requiring partnerships with existing casinos or sports franchises. These have been granted to Circa and DraftKings.
Additionally, several other major players have received temporary online sports betting licenses, meaning they must partner with one of Missouri's six professional sports teams or 13 casinos. The list of approved operators includes:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- theScore Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Underdog Sports
Leading Sportsbooks for Missouri Bettors
With numerous options available, selecting the right platform is crucial. Here is an analysis of the top contenders preparing for the Missouri launch.
DraftKings: The Parlay Specialist
Boasting one of the two independent licenses, DraftKings offers significant freedom. Its platform is renowned for an intuitive interface and features like a Quick Parlay tool that simplifies building multi-leg bets. The integrated Dynasty Rewards programme allows bettors to earn points redeemable for experiences beyond gambling.
Bet365: The Live Betting Giant
Partnering with the St. Louis Cardinals, Bet365 brings its internationally acclaimed live betting product to Missouri. Its strengths include a vast array of in-play markets and an extensive live streaming service. Payouts are notably fast, often processed within 24 hours.
BetMGM: The Rewards Leader
Accessing the market via a partnership with Century Casinos, BetMGM's key attraction is its deeply integrated MGM Rewards programme. Points earned can be used for bonus bets or real-world perks like hotel stays. Its welcome offer is particularly generous, promising up to $1,500 in bonus bets if a user's first wager loses.
Key Regulations for Missouri Bettors
Understanding the legal framework is essential for a safe betting experience.
The legal betting age is 21. All bettors must be physically located within Missouri's state lines when placing wagers, verified by geolocation technology. There is no residency requirement, so visitors aged 21 and over can also participate.
The state will impose a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, below the national average. While sportsbooks do not withhold taxes on winnings, individuals are responsible for reporting earnings over $5,000 to the IRS, where a 24% federal tax applies.
Regulations concerning wagers on in-state college teams are still being finalised. Betting on high school sports is strictly prohibited.
A Thriving Local Sports Scene
Missouri's rich professional sports landscape provides ample betting opportunities. The state is home to the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals (MLB), and the St. Louis Blues (NHL). The soccer scene is also vibrant, with Sporting KC and St. Louis City SC (MLS), and the Kansas City Current (NWSL).
As the launch date approaches, the focus for regulators and operators alike is on ensuring a secure and responsible market. All licensed platforms will offer tools for deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help bettors stay in control.
