Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.US, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Sports Betting in Missouri
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer
Updated: December 11, 2024
Historically, betting on Horse racing has been the main gambling activity in the state since it was legalized in 1984. Though there are not racetracks located in the state, it remains a popular past time. The good news is that online sports betting in Missouri has been legalized.
Full List and Map of Sports Betting Locations in Missouri
For the greatest part of its history, sports betting in Missouri has been faced with both prohibition and restrictions. Nevertheless, just like one can in the neighboring state of Kansas, there are certain ways that those in the state can gamble. It is possible to bet on sports on board a riverboat casino available in the state. In addition, you can bet on horse races and place a pari-mutuel bet in a state fair. Daily Fantasy gaming is also allowed in the state as well as charitable bets. Soon after sports betting is legalized in the state, we expect to see more physical location and sportsbooks being setup.
Betting Locations by Type
You might be wondering about where to bet on sports legally in Missouri State. Foremost, it is important to realize that sports betting is currently illegal in the state. In addition, pari-mutuel is legal, but there are no legal racetracks to bet on horse racing. Gambling is allowed while onboard a riverboat in Missouri. When sports betting becomes fully legal in the state, we expect more betting locations to be set up.
Casino Resorts
Casino resorts offer amenities and leisure facilities to enable guests to enjoy various casino gaming and gambling services. Such amenities include; fitness centers, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. Due to tight laws governing gambling in Missouri State, there are few established casino resorts in the state; however, soon enough, there will be several casino resorts coming up in the state.
Racetracks
Sports betting in Missouri was legalized in 1984, and this allowed people to bet on horse races and place their pari-mutuel bets. However, with the legalization, there is no racetrack in the state. This limit horse betting in the state. Unlike in the neighboring states where there are several established racetracks in Missouri State, there are no racetracks.
Off-Track Betting
Similar to racetrack betting, off-track betting is technically legal in the state. The only downside is that there are no places where players can take their bets. Several other states have continued to legalize sports betting as well as horse betting, and there are several off-track betting locations, unlike in Missouri.
Cruise Ships/Riverboats
Riverboat casinos became legalized in 1992 in Missouri. This makes it possible for people to bet on sports on board the various riverboats casinos in the state. As sports betting becomes legalized, we expect to see the rise in the revenue from riverboats gambling revenue.
List of Legal Offline Sportsbooks in Missouri
Currently, offline sports betting is illegal, and therefore there are no sportsbooks locations where people can bet on sports in Missouri State. Unlike in Oklahoma which has retail sportsbooks, Missouri lags behind its neighbor. This is likely to come to an end as the state moves a step closer to legalizing sports betting. This is also likely to lead to setting up of several sports betting sportsbooks locations across the state. The other betting options in the state include riverboats casinos betting, charitable gaming, Daily Fantasy Sports, and horse racing.
Missouri Sports Gambling - All Leagues and Bet Types
Missouri State prides itself on having a variety of professional sports. For people in the Show-Me State, football, soccer, ice hockey, baseball as the favorite sports. These sports have had an extensive history dating back from 1904. The following are some of the most popular sports available in Missouri State. When sports betting becomes legal, people will be able to bet on these major sports and leagues.
Where Can I Check the Current Betting Odds and Lines?
Sports betting is illegal in Missouri State, and therefore there is no clear or established way to get current odds and lines for sports betting. This is, however, a temporary thing because when sports betting is legalized, more sportsbook locations will be set up where people will be able to visit and check for current bets and odds. There are also several online sites offering lines and odds; however, you need to confirm the credibility of these sites.
Legal Sports Betting in Missouri
Currently, there are no legal sports betting in Missouri, but there are positive hopes that soon, sports betting will be legal in the state. The following are the current legal details of sports betting in Missouri.
Are sports betting legal in Missouri?
No, currently, sports betting in Missouri is completely illegal. This applies to both offline and online sports betting.
Legal age for sports betting?
A person must be at least 21 years of age to bet legally in the Missouri State.
Can you bet online in Missouri?
No, currently, it is illegal to bet online in Missouri state.
Is fantasy sports betting allowed?
Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports betting is allowed in the state.
Is off-track betting allowed?
Yes, off-track betting is legal in Missouri; however, there is no physical location to take your off-track bet.
Are there any restrictions?
Currently, the only major restriction is to bet on sports in Missouri.
Who regulates MO sports betting?
Currently, Missouri State has not legalized sports betting, and therefore currently, there is no set body to regulate sports betting in MO.
History of Sports Betting in Missouri
Just like in other states, there have been several steps and moves towards the legalization of sports gambling throughout the history of Missouri State. Missouri State has continued to take significant legal steps towards the legalization of sports betting. One such step is to legalize daily fantasy sports. The following are the notable developments in sports gambling in Missouri.
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Legalization of Bingo | Since Bingo sports is under charitable gaming, it was legalized in the year 1980. |
| 1984 | Legalization of Horse Betting | Betting on horse racing was legalized in the state. People need to be in the state fair in order to be on horse races because currently, there are no racetracks in the state. |
| 1985 | Missouri Lottery | The lottery also became legal in the state, and rapid lottery setup and developments occurred. |
| 1992 | Riverboat Casinos Allowed | During this year, riverboats casinos were allowed, and they offered gambling services. This year also saw the legalizations of marketing card games. |
| 2016 | DFS Allowed | Daily Fantasy Sports were allowed in Missouri State, just like in other neighboring states. |
| 2018 | PresentPositive Strides towards Full Legalization of Sports Betting In MO | There have been several bills tabled in the senate proposing the legalization of sports betting in Missouri State. Currently, we can say that there are clear indications that soon, sports betting will be legal in MO State. |
How to Bet on Sports in Missouri
Betting on sports is simple. All that a player needs to do is visit the nearest sportsbook location and place their wager. In addition, in some states, there are dedicated online sites where people can place their bet. This, however, is currently impossible in Missouri State since sports betting is illegal.
General Rules
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To bet on sports legally in MO state, you need to be 21 years and above, however, you can purchase a lottery ticket at 18 years of age.
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Betting hours: From 10 AM to Midnight
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Since sports betting is illegal in Missouri state, some of these general rules are subject to change, feel free to keep checking this page for updates.
Are Exchanges and Pari-Mutuel Betting Available in Missouri?
Pari-mutuel is available and legal in MO State. It was legalized in 1984, but the only downside is that it is not as popular as in other neighboring states. There is currently no legal racetrack available in Missouri State. People can place pari-mutuel bets in the neighboring states that offer these.
Taxation of Winnings
Every gambling wining is subject to taxation under federal law as well as state rules. It is, therefore, important to note the taxes that will be imposed when you win a bet. When sports betting becomes legal in Missouri State, the following taxation of winnings laws will be applicable to your winnings.
Federal Law:
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$600 or more - the payor is obliged to provide you with a W-2G form
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Winnings of 300x the bet or more, must be reported
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All gambling winnings must be filed under a W-2G form and are subject to 25% federal tax
Additional State Rules:
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Your bet winnings are subject to a 9% tax rate by the Missouri State.
About Missouri
Missouri State is known for its nickname 'show me,' which attracts lots of controversies as people explain the origin of this nickname. The following are facts about MO State.
| Capital | Jefferson City |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Kansas City |
| Population | 6.137 Million (2019) |
| Area | 180,533 km2 |
| Time zone | Central Daylight Time (GMT -5) |
| State Nickname(s) | The Show-Me State |
| Motto | Salus populi suprema lex esto,'meaning' Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law. |
| Teams | Sport | League |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Football | NFL |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Baseball | NLC, MLB |
| St. Louis Blues | Ice Hockey | NHL |
| St. Louis City SC | Soccer | MLS |
| Kansas City Scouts | Ice Hockey | NHL |
Helping Hand for Players in Missouri
Compulsive gambling is one of the major concerns affecting many players. This problem needs to be addressed so as not to cause deep issues to a person. It is because of this reason that there is a helping hand for players in Missouri. Therefore, you should not suffer in silence, there are hotlines and help centers that you can reach out to and get help. If you need legal help on gambling, then there are dedicated lawyers who deal with betting cases, you can also reach out to them for help. The following are the details for helping hand for players in Missouri.
Help for Problem Gambling in Missouri
- Hotlines Missouri Problem Gambling, 888-BETS-OFF
- Help centres National Problem Gambling, 730 11th St, NW, Ste 601 Washington, DC 20001 1-800-522-4700www.ncpgambling.org
Lawyers for Betting Cases
- Inglish & Monaco P.C., 237 East High Street P.O. Box 1496 Jefferson City, MO 65102573-634-2522www.inglishmonaco.com
FAQ
What sports can't you bet on in Missouri?
You cannot bet on sports in Missouri, in addition, there is no betting on college sports.
Who is ineligible to place sports bets in Missouri?
Any person below the legal betting age of 21 years is ineligible to place a sports bet in Missouri.
What are other options for gambling available in Missouri?
Other options available in Missouri include charitable betting, and horse races betting.
Who can apply for a Missouri sports betting license?
Casinos that are interested in sports betting can attempt to apply for sports betting licenses when sports betting becomes legal in the state.
How much do sports betting operators have to pay in taxes?
Operators are expected to pay revenue tax as well as integrity fees totaling up to 14% of total betting revenue.
How much revenue does Missouri sports betting generate?
When sports betting becomes legal in Missouri State, it has the potential to bring up to $40 Million in tax revenue.