Legal sports betting will officially go live in Missouri on 1 December 2025, marking a significant moment for the Show-Me State. Ahead of the highly anticipated launch, a selection of the industry's leading online sportsbooks have opened their doors for pre-registration, allowing eager bettors to prepare their accounts in advance.
The Road to Legalisation
Missouri voters approved the legalisation of sports betting in November 2024, with Amendment 2 narrowly passing after considerable lobbying pressure from professional sports teams and major gambling operators. The state, which had been slower than many of its neighbours to act following the 2018 federal ban being overturned, will now join 38 other states where wagering on sports is legal.
While bettors cannot place legal wagers before the official launch date, the pre-registration period that began on 17 November has been active. This allows Missouri residents to download sportsbook apps, create accounts, verify their identity, claim valuable promotional offers, and deposit funds, ensuring they are ready to bet the moment the market opens.
Licensed Operators and Key Features
The Missouri Gaming Commission has granted licenses to several major players in the sports betting industry. DraftKings, Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, Circa, theScore Bet, and Underdog Sports are all confirmed participants in the new market.
Many of these operators are running special pre-launch promotions to attract early sign-ups. To help prospective bettors navigate the options, we have compiled a detailed comparison of the top sportsbooks, focusing on their strengths, welcome bonuses, and unique features.
Top Missouri Sportsbooks at a Glance
DraftKings is a standout choice for parlay betting, offering a ‘Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets’ welcome offer and its acclaimed Dynasty Rewards loyalty programme. It operates with one of Missouri's two untethered licenses, allowing for greater promotional freedom.
Bet365, in partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals, excels in live betting and provides an extensive selection of live streaming options. Its welcome bonus is ‘Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets’, and it is renowned for fast payouts and early market releases.
BetMGM offers a potentially generous welcome bonus of up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses. Its key strength is the fully integrated MGM Rewards programme, which allows bettors to earn points redeemable for hotel stays and dining credits.
FanDuel, partnered with MLS side St. Louis City SC, is widely regarded for its industry-leading same-game parlay builder and superior mobile app experience. New users can expect a welcome offer along the lines of ‘Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets’.
Caesars Sportsbook provides a strong Caesars Rewards programme with tier benefits and is a great option for those seeking daily odds boosts. Its welcome offer is expected to be a First Bet of up to $1,000.
Fanatics Sportsbook operates on a mobile-only platform and features a unique FanCash rewards system, offering up to 10% cashback on every bet. Its welcome bonus is ‘Deposit $50, Get Up To $3,000 in FanCash No Sweat Bets’.
Missouri Sports Betting Regulations
Prospective bettors must be aware of the key regulations governing the new market. The legal age for betting in Missouri is 21 years old. The state has imposed a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, which is below the national average.
Bettors must be physically located within Missouri's borders to place a wager, verified through geolocation technology. There is no residency requirement, meaning visitors aged 21 and over can also bet while in the state.
While the final regulations surrounding wagers on in-state college teams are still being clarified, betting on high school sports is strictly prohibited. All licensed sportsbooks will be required to offer responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion programmes.
With the launch just days away, Missouri is poised to become a significant player in the US sports betting landscape, offering its 6.15 million residents a secure and regulated environment to wager on their favourite sports.
