Missouri Sports Betting Updates

Missouri Legal Sports Betting Overview

Missouri Sports Betting Summary

Missouri has been trying to legalize sports betting even before the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA) in 2018.

Over 20 different sports betting bills have previously been assessed by lawmakers, but it still remains illegal in the state. The most recent attempt, HB 2502, included provisions for professional sports teams and casinos to partner with sportsbooks and came within four hours of passing the Missouri Senate. A filibuster from Senator Denny Hoskins and Sen. Karla May saw the legislation fail to pass.

While lawmakers generally accept that the Show-Me state wants to launch online sports betting, the lack of success follows debates around legalizing Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) and the appropriate tax figures for the state.

The NBA, the MLB, Missouri’s four major sports teams, and the state’s 12 casinos have all backed legislation in the past, making it inevitable that another bill will be attempted in 2023.

Read our complete guide on Missouri sports betting to learn more about the latest updates to state legislation and the potential future of online and retail sports betting in MO.

Missouri Online Sportsbook Summary

Online sports betting remains a priority with Missouri lawmakers, with the almost-successful HB 2502 allowing each casino and sports team to partner with three online sportsbooks. Considering how close HB 2502 was to passing in 2022, another attempt at legalization is likely in 2023.

Bally Bet, Caesars, and Barstool Sportsbook are expected to launch if this legislation passes. In addition, FanDuel Sportsbook has partnered with Boyd Gaming to launch in other states such as Louisiana and Kansas. These brands will likely renew this relationship to go live in MO.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games are available in Missouri, and you can play with brands like FantasyDraft, Boom Fantasy, and ESPN.

If you want to wager online, MO has four neighboring states you can visit. Online sports betting launched in Kansas in September 2022 with six online sportsbooks, including DraftKings and BetMGM Sportsbook, taking wagers. Tennessee was the first mobile-only betting market in the US and now offers ten sportsbooks with brands like SuperBook and Caesars Sportsbook. There are seven sportsbooks available in Illinois, including Chicago-based BetRivers. Several sportsbooks operate in Iowa, with 18 brands, including PointsBet, Fubo Sportsbook, and Bally Bet Sportsbook having launched in a competitive market.

Latest Missouri Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Missouri

• July 17, 2022: The Consumer Choice Center, a US lobbying group, publishes a report encouraging sports betting legalization in Missouri.

• July 12, 2022: Sen. Hoskins says he believes that the “legislative landscape could change to open a pathway to legalization,” raising optimism for 2023 sports betting.

• May 13, 2022: The 2022 Missouri legislative session ends with no sports betting legislation passed. Sports bettors will have to wait until 2023 before they can begin betting in Missouri.

• May 5, 2022: Sen. Hoskins attempts to bring a modified sports betting bill, SB 643, to the Senate floor, with a 21% tax rate and provision for VLTs. However, the attempt fails to gain momentum and is filibustered by Sen. Bill White who expresses concerns that gambling addiction will see “kids without homes, kids without food”.

• April 27, 2022: Sen. Hoskin and Democrat Minority Leader Sen. May run a four-hour filibuster, killing sports betting bill HB 2502. Hoskins proposes 153 amendments to the bill, “one for every $1 million in tax revenue lost” for VLTs not also being legalized.

• April 19, 2022: Sen. Hoskin proposes amendments to HB 2502 to change the tax rate to 15% and allow the legalization of VLTs in the bill. Sen. Mike Bernskoetter leads the Senate in rejecting the amendments over a desire to “delete the VLTs”.

• April 16, 2022: HB 2502 passes the Senate General Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee (GAFO) by a vote of 8-1 with the label “do pass”. Sen. May is the only vote against.

• March 24, 2022: The Missouri House passes HB 2502 with a vote of 115-33 in favor. The bill is sent to the Senate.

• March 23, 2022: Amendments HA 1 and HA 2 are adopted for HB 2502 by vote. This lowers the bill’s sports betting tax rate from 10% to 8% and doubles the state’s commitment to responsible gambling resources (to $500,000).

• March 10, 2022: HB 2502 passes the Missouri House Committee 13 - 1, with the Committee recommending “do pass” to the House.

• February 28, 2022: HB 2502 and HB 2556 are discussed by the Missouri House Committee. Rep. Bailey suggests the bill’s 10% tax rate is too low compared to neighboring Illinois’s 15% tax rate. Representatives reject her concerns, asserting that 10% is the industry average.

• February 24, 2022: Boyd Gaming (partner of FanDuel) breaks from the Supergroup with concerns over HB 2502 and HB 2556 requiring official league data.

• February 2, 2022: Rep. Phil Christofanelli introduces HB 2556 after his previous HB 1666 fails to gain support for being too lenient to the Supergroup's demands. The new bill legalizes sports betting with an 8% tax rate, no VLTs, and a mandate for official league data.

• January 27, 2022: Sen. Hoskins announces his belief that HB 2502’s tax rates are far too low and that excluding VLTs will cost the state $123 million in revenue. He expresses his intention to oppose any sports betting bill without VLTs.

• January 19, 2022: Rep. Dan Houx introduces HB 2502 to the House. Based on the Supergroups proposals, the bill legalizes sports betting with a 10% tax rate and no VLTs. It also includes a mandate for official league data.

• January 5, 2022: Rep. Christofanelli introduces HB 1666 to legalize sports betting with a 6.75% tax rate.

• October 31, 2021: The Supergroup hires lobbying firm and think tank Consumer Choice Center to persuade lawmakers to implement its vision for sports betting.

• October 15, 2021: The Supergroup demands legislation with a minimal tax rate on sportsbook revenues and rejects any legalization of VLTs.

• October 6, 2021: The MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals, the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, the MLS’ St. Louis City Soccer Club, Penn National Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming, Century Casinos, Affinity Gaming, and Bally’s all join together to form a lobbying ‘Supergroup’.

• May 14, 2021: The 2021 Missouri legislative session ends with no sports betting bill having passed.

• January 6, 2021: Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer introduces SB 217 to the Senate to legalize sports betting. The bill includes a 6.25% tax rate. Sen. Caleb Rowden submits SB 256 to legalize wagering, with a tax rate of 6.75%. Sen. Hoskins offers SB 18 to the Senate to introduce sports betting to Missouri. It includes a tax rate of 9% and the legalization of VLTs.

• May 15, 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic ends any discussions on sports betting in 2020.

• January 29, 2020: Rep. Christofanelli introduces HB 2318 to the House to legalize sports betting.

• January 27, 2020: Rep. Cody Smith introduces HB 2284 to legalize sports wagering.

• January 8, 2020: Sen. Hoskins’ SB 567 is introduced to the Senate to legalize sports betting with a 9% tax on revenues and 0.25% royalties. Rep. Dan Shaul introduces HB 2088 to legalize betting with the same tax and royalties as SB 567. Sen. Leutkemeyer introduces SB 754 to legalize betting with a 6.25% tax rate and 0.75% royalties.

• May 30, 2019: The 2019 legislative session ends with no sports betting legislation passed. Rep. Smith’s HB 119, Sen. Hoskins SB 44, and Sen. Lincoln Hough’s SB 222 all fail to pass.

• May 18, 2018: The 2018 legislative session ends with all sports betting bills failing to pass.

• May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This lets each state decide whether to legalize sports betting.

• April 4, 2018: The Missouri House Committee holds a hearing on proposed sports betting legislation. HB 2535 and HB 2406 are recommended.

• March 13, 2018: Legislators modify SB 1013 to prevent it from stalling, creating SB 767.

• February 21, 2018: Rep. Dean Plocher submits HB 2535, a bill to legalize sports betting, to the House in association with the MLB and NBA. The MLB and NBA also support Sen. Hoskins SB 1013 to legalize sports betting with a 12% revenue tax and a 1% data fee for sports leagues.

• February 7, 2018: Rep. Justin Alferman introduces HB 2406 to legalize sports betting with a tax rate of 6.25%.

• January 29, 2018: Rep. Bart Korman introduces HB 2320 to legalize sports betting in anticipation of the PASPA decision.

Missouri Sports Betting Background

Missouri is a state that has historically welcomed gambling, especially when it was ruled by the Spanish and the French in the 18th Century. This was ended when Governor Joseph Folk banned gambling in the early 1900s. The first type of gambling in the state after this was the lottery, which was approved in 1984.

While the state is keen to legalize sports betting, no legislation has yet managed to pass. Four sports betting bills were introduced before the US Supreme Court ruled on PASPA, one of which had backing from two major sports leagues. As of August 2022, a staggering 20 bills have been introduced to lawmakers but no compromise over opinions has been found. Many small business owners support VLTs, which allow bars and other locations to offer sports betting. However, these are opposed by the casinos, which hold considerable sway as a part of the lobbying Supergroup. Tax differences have also been an issue, with a range of taxes from 6.25% to 21% suggested.

Future of Missouri Sports Betting

While it’s clear that sports betting will be on lawmakers’ agenda in 2023, several differences still need to be resolved. These arguments have been ongoing since the PASPA decision of 2018, so while HB 2502 was close to passing in 2022, it is no guarantee of success in 2023.

If any legislation passes, betting brands with close ties to the state such as Bally Bet, Barstool, Caesars, and FanDuel Sportsbook will be expected to go live.

Missouri’s Sports Betting Locations

There are currently no casinos offering sports betting in Missouri. However, this is likely to change in the near future. The state’s 12 casinos formed a pact with MO sports teams to encourage legislation to pass. Retail sports betting at casinos was included in the latest bill, HB 2502, which would have also allowed each casino to partner with three online sportsbooks.

Some casinos in the state are run by brands operating major sportsbooks such as Caesars Entertainment (Caesars) and Penn National Gaming (Barstool Sportsbook). If there is another attempt to legalize betting in 2023, retail sportsbooks at casinos are likely to be included.

Missouri has four neighboring states with retail sports betting. There are three local sportsbooks at casinos in Arkansas, while Kansas has two sportsbooks open at casinos with a DraftKings Sportsbook at Boot Hill Casino expected to launch in October 2022. 19 casinos in Iowa offer retail sports betting with brands like Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Hard Rock Sportsbook. Illinois has seven retail sportsbooks, including DraftKings at Casino Queen, just across the Mississippi River in St. Louis.

Missouri Lottery Locations

The Missouri Lottery has been in operation since 1984 under the Missouri Lottery Commission and sends all profits to a fund for education and small business. Based on past legislation, the Missouri Lottery is unlikely to influence sports betting, and wagering won’t be available at retail locations.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Horse racing betting is technically legal in Missouri, but you can only wager at racetracks and none are currently operational in the state. You can’t wager on races online, but stadium sports betting may come to MO in the future.

Lawmakers included major league sports teams in HB 2502 as able to provide retail sportsbooks and support online betting platforms. Sports teams are a part of the lobbying Supergroup, so this will likely be a requirement with any future legislation.

Missouri Responsible Gambling Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling Missouri – Provides guidance to Missouri problem gambling resources. It also has a nationwide 24/7 live chat and helpline. (800) 522-4700.

• 1-888 Bets Off – Offers a 24/7 helpline and will refer you to local free treatment facilities. (888) 238-7633.

• Gamblers Anonymous – Organizes anonymous meetings across the states where problem gamblers can visit and share their experiences. It also offers a treatment program. (855) 222-5542.

There is a statewide self-exclusion program for casino gambling operated by the Missouri Gaming Commission. This lets you prohibit yourself from entering any land-based casino. Considering the Missouri Gaming Commission will likely be the regulator for sports betting in the state once it’s been legalized, Missouri will likely bring in a similar program for online and retail sports bettors.

Sportsbooks expected to launch in Missouri are national operators that provide responsible gambling help in every state. This includes directions to helpful resources and account tools to limit your wagering.

Teams to Bet on in Missouri

Pro Sports

Kansas City Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs are the most successful NFL team in the AFC West as the division’s most winning team as of 2022, winning 14 AFC West Division Championships. The Chiefs have also won two Super Bowls; once in in 1969, and again in 2020. The team is being led by Super Bowl MVP QB Patrick Mahomes, who signed the second-largest known contract in sporting history, worth $503 million. The Chiefs had an in-state NFL rival in the St. Louis Rams from 1995-2016 until the team moved to Los Angeles.

St. Louis Cardinals: The second most successful MLB team of all time, the St. Louis Cardinals have won 11 World Series, 19 National League Pennants, and 14 division titles. The team’s list of former players includes the likes of three-time Regular Season MVP Stan Musial, two-time World Series winner Bob Gibson, and the Gashouse Gang’s Dizzy Dean.

Kansas City Royals: Playing in the MLB in royal blue, the Kansas City Royals have won two World Series. The Royals play at the Kauffman Stadium, the K, the only baseball-only stadium built between 1966 and 1991. Their latest World Series win was in 2015, beating the New York Mets just a year after losing the big game to the San Francisco Giants.

St. Louis Blues: As a team founded in 1967, the St. Louis Blues have made the most Stanley Cup playoff appearances outside of the Original Six. The team won their first Stanley Cup in 2019, beating the Boston Bruins in a close 4-3 game.

College Sports

Kansas City Roos: The University of Missouri-Kansas City Roos play in the Summit League in blue and gold. The basketball team plays at the 1,600-capacity Swinney Recreation Center. The school’s soccer team has won five league championships.

Lindenwood Lions: Representing Lindenwood University, the Lions are joining the NCAA Division I for the first time in the 2022-23 season. The football team plays in the FCS with a record of .489 as of September 2022.

Missouri Tigers: Representing the University of Missouri, the Missouri Tigers, competes in NCAA Division I FBS in front of crowds of 62,000 in the Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.

Missouri State Bears: Basketball has been the most successful sport for Missouri State University, with the team winning two National Championships in the 1950s. The baseball program has produced 20 MLB players, including three-time all-star Ryan Howard.

Saint Louis Billikens: The Billikens play in blue and white for Saint Louis University. The basketball program used to be one of the best in the country, was referred to as “The Program” and ranked first in a college basketball popularity poll in 1949.

Southeast Missouri State Redhawks: The Redhawks, who represent Southeast Missouri State University, have a baseball team that has appeared in the NCAA Tournament three times from 2016 to 2022. The football team has won 19 conference championships in the FSC.

Women’s Sports

There are no professional women’s sports teams in Missouri, but each of the NCAA Division I college programs supports women’s varsity teams. For example, the Billikens women’s ice hockey team has won the ACHA Tournament four times.

How Does Missouri Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

While sports betting is not legal in Missouri, the sportsbooks that have lobbied for wagering to launch give us a good insight into what a market could look like.

Some of the US top sportsbooks like FanDuel, Caesars, and Barstool could launch, bringing a wide variety of markets for all the major league sports. In addition, these sites provide betting lines for niche sports like MMA, NASCAR, or even events like Gaelic football.

While college sports betting is available with these brands in neighboring states like Iowa, it is unknown if you will be permitted to wager on NCAA events until betting is legalized.

Competitive Odds & Prices

The sportsbooks expected to launch in Missouri operate across the US, providing the same odds in every state. These sportsbooks must compete in dozens of markets and therefore provide great betting lines to stand out against the competition. For example, Caesars offers generous player prop wagers on sports like the NFL and NHL. In addition, FanDuel provides excellent value with NFL points spreads.

Gambling Revenue

Fiscal notes produced by the Missouri House in early 2022 predicted that Missouri could collect $15 million annually by legalizing sports betting and taxing operators 10%. That would suggest sportsbook revenues of $150 million a year.

Comparing Missouri to neighboring state Tennessee adds a bit more context to these predictions. Tennessee has a slightly larger population (about 7 million) than MO (around 6 million) and also supports three major league teams compared to the Show-Me State’s four. However, Tennessee is one of a few online-only states in the US, so Missouri can expect a boost in its figures as it plans to legalize retail betting.

As of July 2022, Tennessee has handled $5,065,255,235, producing $439,148,450 in revenue. That’s $295,803,542 in the last year. Missouri would likely draw in similar figures, almost double the House’s estimations.

Betting Taxes

No matter where you play in the US, you must declare all your gambling winnings to the IRS, and complete a W-2G form if you win more than $600. Sportsbooks may hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. You also need to include your betting winnings when paying your state income tax, which ranges from 1.5% to 5.4% in Missouri, depending on your income.

Sportsbooks must follow the Internal Revenue Code and pay a 0.25% excise tax on every monthly betting handle while also paying $50 for every employee involved in taking wagers.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Missouri?

The most likely regulator of sports betting is the Missouri Gaming Commission, after being included in HB 2502. The Commission currently oversees all gambling activities in the state.

Nearby states like Iowa, which is regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, show that lawmakers can expand the responsibilities of these regulatory bodies successfully. The Commission would be responsible for ensuring every sportsbook sticks to high safety standards and establishing the licensing process.

Other candidates for the oversight of sports betting are the Missouri Lottery Commission or establishing a new regulator.