Legal sports betting has officially gone live in the US state of Missouri, allowing residents to place wagers both online and at approved retail locations. The move makes the Show-Me State the 39th in the nation to legalise sports betting in some form.
Regulators Highlight Economic Benefits
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) formally welcomed the launch, which began at 12:00am on 1 December 2025. In a statement, the regulator emphasised the anticipated economic windfall from the newly legalised industry.
Jan Zimmerman, chairman of the MGC, stated: "Sports wagering will create new jobs, increase tax revenue, and further enhance education in our great state." The launch follows the approval of Amendment 2 by voters on 5 November 2024, which paved the way for statewide legalisation.
Major Operators Enter the Market
A host of the country's leading sportsbook brands commenced operations in Missouri on launch day. The initial roster of operators includes:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Bet365
- Fanatics
- theScore Bet
- Circa
DraftKings and Circa received untethered licences, meaning they are not required to partner with a physical casino or sports team. Other operators have leveraged existing partnerships or casino presences to establish their foothold.
Promotions and Partnerships Drive Launch
As expected, the launch has been accompanied by a wave of promotional offers from operators vying for new customers. Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, highlighted his company's local ties, noting partnerships with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri native Jon Hamm as brand ambassador.
Patrons must be aged 21 or over and physically located within Missouri to place a bet. While wagering is permitted on major professional leagues and college sports, prop bets on games involving Missouri-based college teams are prohibited, a restriction seen in several other states.
The introduction of legal sports wagering in Missouri marks a significant shift, aligning the state with a growing national trend and opening a new stream of tax revenue, with regulators keen to underscore the projected benefits for jobs and state funding.
