Welcome to the ultimate guide for Missouri sports betting! Are you eager to get in on the action and start betting on all your favorite sports and leagues? Then, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Missouri sports betting, including the legal landscape, the top sportsbooks, the latest news, and everything else you’ll need to know before you get started. Let’s dive right in!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Missouri?
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018, removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting across the country. Since then, states have quickly introduced new legislation, amended their constitutions, or renegotiated tribal gaming compacts to launch sportsbooks within their borders.
Today, nearly 75% of U.S. states have legalized sports betting in some capacity, including seven of Missouri’s eight bordering states. Unfortunately, Missouri falls in the ~25% of states that have not yet legalized the practice. However, there is ongoing discussion and debate regarding the potential legalization of sports betting in Missouri, with proponents highlighting the potential economic benefits and the opportunity to regulate and protect consumers.
As the landscape of sports betting & online casino gambling continues to evolve across the country, Missourians eagerly await any developments that may bring legal sports betting to the state and provide them with the opportunity to engage in this rapidly-growing form of entertainment.
When Will Sports Betting Launch in Missouri?
It is currently unknown exactly when sports betting will become legal in the state of Missouri. However, with strong support from many state legislators, citizens, and professional sports teams, it seems to only be a matter of time before new legislation is passed, allowing sportsbooks to operate across the state.
There was reason to believe that 2023 would be the year sports betting was given the green light in the Show-Me State, but the 2023 Missouri legislative session came to an end on May 12, marking another year without a sports betting bill being passed.
Many proponents of Missouri sports betting are blaming Representative Denny Hoskins for the holdup, as his desire for the regulation of video lottery terminals (VLTs) to be tied into sports betting legislation served as a major roadblock to the passage of SB 30, which would have authorized state casinos and professional teams to partner with up to 39 online sportsbook operators.
Now, Missouri will have to wait until at least 2024, when the state’s next legislative session is scheduled to take place, for another chance at the legalization of sports betting.
What Are the Best Missouri Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
Although online sports betting has not yet been legalized in Missouri, many of the top U.S. sportsbooks are ready to jump at the opportunity to enter the Show-Me State should an opportunity present itself. Here are a few of the most likely candidates:
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY.
- Best Feature: Wide Range of Betting Markets Offered
- Full Review: DraftKings Sportsbook Review
DraftKings is one of the biggest names in the U.S. sports betting industry. With a user-friendly interface and intuitive mobile app, DraftKings provides a seamless and enjoyable betting experience.
The platform is known for its great selection of alternative lines and totals, as well as a variety of prop markets. Additionally, DraftKings offers daily odds boosts and speedy payouts, making it a favorite among sports bettors.
BetRivers Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, & WV.
- Best Feature: First-Rate In-Game Betting Experience
- Full Review: BetRivers Sportsbook Review
BetRivers is another reputable sportsbook and is known for its comprehensive coverage of sporting events. It offers competitive odds and a user-friendly platform for both desktop and mobile devices.
BetRivers provides a diverse selection of betting options, including same-game parlays, prop bets, and futures. With their robust in-play betting features, live streaming options, and fast withdrawal times, BetRivers is the go-to option for bettors all over the country.
Tipico Sportsbook
- Available States: CO, IA, NJ, & OH.
- Best Feature: Fantastic Mobile App
- Full Review: Tipico Sportsbook Review
Tipico is a renowned sportsbook that combines a sleek design with a wide range of sports betting opportunities. With a focus on user experience, Tipico offers a fantastic mobile app that allows users to bet on their favorite sports anytime, anywhere. Although it is currently only available in a handful of U.S. states, the platform is expected to continue growing and entering new markets in the upcoming years.
Unibet Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, IN, NJ, PA, & VA.
- Best Feature:
- Full Review: Unibet Sportsbook Review
Unibet is a globally recognized sportsbook known for its comprehensive coverage of sports and extensive betting markets. With a well-designed website and mobile app, Unibet offers a top-notch betting experience for both novice and experienced bettors.
They provide a wide range of bet types, including live betting options. Unibet also offers attractive promotions, a strong customer support system, and a variety of secure payment options, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable betting platform.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Missouri?
Since sports betting has not yet been given the green light in Missouri, there are very limited options available for sports bettors across the state. However, you’re not completely out of luck. A few potential opportunities and alternatives are discussed below.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks serve as an alternative option for Missouri sports bettors in the absence of legal sports betting in the state. These sportsbooks operate from outside the United States and accept bets from American customers. While using offshore sportsbooks may provide access to a wide range of betting markets and exciting promotional deals, it’s important for bettors to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Offshore sportsbooks operate in a legal gray area and may not offer the same level of consumer protection as regulated domestic sportsbooks. Additionally, there may be challenges related to payment processing and customer support. Missouri bettors considering offshore sportsbooks should carefully research and choose reputable platforms to ensure a safe and secure betting experience.
Daily Fantasy Sports
In 2016, Missouri became the 10th state to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS), allowing licensed operators to launch their platforms within state lines. DraftKings, FanDuel, OwnersBox, and Underdog Fantasy are a few of the Daily fantasy sports currently available in Missouri, and they each offer daily and weekly contests, cover a wide range of sports, and give players a chance to compete for their share of substantial prize pools.
Horse Racing
Horse racing betting has been legal in Missouri since 1984, but it is required that all wagers be placed in person at racetracks in the state. Unfortunately, there are no racetracks currently open in Missouri. Placing bets using online racebooks (e.g., TVG, AmWager, or TwinSpires) and simulcast wagering at off-track betting facilities is prohibited. As a result, there is no way to bet on horse racing in Missouri today.
Visit Neighboring States
Seven of the eight states bordering Missouri have already legalized sports betting within their borders. As a result, Missourians have the option to place wagers on their favorite sports and leagues when they visit Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, and several other states. In the next section, we’ll further discuss the incredible opportunities offered in Missouri’s neighboring states.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in Missouri?
There are no online or retail sportsbooks currently operating in the state of Missouri. Fortunately, the same is not true for most of Missouri’s neighboring states. As a result, Missouri residents will always have the opportunity to place bets online or in person when they visit Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, or Tennessee.
Arkansas
Arkansas launched retail sports betting in July 2019, and online sports betting became available in March 2019. Today, the state of Arkansas has three retail sportsbooks that accept in-person wagers on sporting events (Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Hotel) and three mobile betting sites (Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports).
Illinois
St. Louis sports bettors are in luck, as they live right near the Missouri-Illinois border and will have access to seven Illinois online sportsbooks (Barstool, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet) whenever they visit their neighbor to the east. Illinois is a remote registration state as well, meaning you’ll be able to sign up from anywhere and will just need to cross into Illinois when you’re ready to place your bets.
Iowa
Another potential option for Missouri residents, especially those who live in the northern half of the state, is Iowa, which launched sports betting in August 2019 and offers nearly two dozen digital sportsbooks to both residents and visitors of the state. In addition, in-person wagering options are available at casinos in Sioux City, Jefferson, Council Bluffs, and several other cities across the state.
Kansas
Kansas‘ launch of sports betting in September 2022 opened up a great opportunity for bettors in Kansas City, Missouri. Residents of Kansas City and other cities near the Missouri-Kansas border can sign up with any of the six online sportsbooks currently operating in the Sunflower State (Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet) and place bets every time they visit their neighbor to the west.
Tennessee
Tennessee legalized online sports betting in May 2019 and launched its first mobile betting site in November 2020. The state currently offers more than a dozen different options to bettors. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, SuperBook, and many of the other most popular U.S. sportsbooks are now available in the Volunteer State.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Missouri
Time needed: 5 minutes
Are you ready to get started? Just follow the steps below to sign up and start betting on all your favorite players and teams!
- Choose Your Sportsbook
Pick an online sportsbook that is available in a nearby state (e.g., Illinois, Kansas, or Tennessee) and aligns with your individual betting needs. Visit your preferred sportsbook’s website, or download its mobile app.
- Register for an Account
Complete the account registration process by entering all necessary personal information, choosing a username and password, and agreeing to the Terms & Conditions. In most cases, this step can be done from anywhere, including your home in Missouri.
- Verify Your Identity
Complete the account verification process by following the on-screen instructions provided by your sportsbook. You will typically need to enter your social security number or provide a form of photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Make a Deposit
Use any of the payment methods accepted by your sportsbook (debit/credit card, online banking, digital wallet, etc.) to make your first deposit to your online betting account. This step can also typically be done from anywhere with internet access.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
Collect the free bets, first-bet insurance, or deposit match provided as a welcome offer to all new customers of your sportsbook. Enjoy!
- Start Placing Bets
Visit the state where your sportsbook is licensed and currently operating to place bets on all your favorite sports and leagues. Good luck!
What Teams Can I Bet on in Missouri?
Sports culture in Missouri runs deep, with a strong passion for athletic competition ingrained in the state’s fabric. From high school sports to college rivalries and professional leagues, Missourians enthusiastically support and celebrate the spirit of sports, making it an integral part of their community and shared identity. Here are a few of the state’s most popular teams:
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs (based in Kansas City, Missouri) are a beloved NFL franchise and garner support from fans all over the country. Known for their explosive offense, the Chiefs have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the league. Boasting 3 Super Bowl titles and 15 division titles throughout franchise history, the team’s exciting style of play and dedicated fan base have made them a source of pride for the state of Missouri.
Kansas City Royals
The MLB’s Kansas City Royals have captured the hearts of fans over the years with their determination and underdog spirit. Known for their memorable postseason runs, including a thrilling World Series championship in 2015, the Royals have demonstrated resilience and a never-give-up attitude on the field. Their loyal fan base fills Kauffman Stadium all season long, creating an electric atmosphere and a true sense of community.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a storied MLB franchise based in St. Louis, Missouri. Known for their passionate fans, the Cardinals have a rich history and are one of the most successful teams in baseball. With 11 World Series titles and a tradition of producing elite players (e.g., Stan Musial and Albert Pujols), the Cardinals continue to be a source of pride for their dedicated supporters.
Missouri Tigers
The Missouri Tigers represent the University of Missouri in collegiate sports. Competing in the NCAA Division I as a member of the SEC, the Tigers have teams in various sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. The Tigers’ athletic programs are highly regarded, and their games draw enthusiastic support from students, alumni, and fans across the state, fostering a strong sense of school pride.
Strategies & Tips for Missouri Bettors
While sports betting is not yet available within state lines, it’s never too early for Missouri bettors to start learning the best strategies to implement and guidelines to follow to set themselves up for long-term success in all their sports betting endeavors. Here are some tips and tricks to use:
- Do Your Research: Stay informed about teams, players, and recent performances. Consider factors such as injuries, team form, head-to-head records, and player statistics when making your selections.
- Understand the Odds: Familiarize yourself with different odds formats such as American, decimal, and fractional. Understand how odds work and calculate potential payouts.
- Be Selective: Avoid the temptation to bet on every available game. Be selective and focus on quality rather than quantity. Only wager when you have a strong rationale and confidence in your picks.
- Control Your Emotions: Keep your emotions in check when betting. Avoid impulsive decisions based on gut feelings or biases. Stick to your strategy and make rational choices.
- Track Your Bets: Maintain a detailed record of your bets, including the wagered amount, odds, and outcomes. This will help you analyze your performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Don’t Chase Your Losses: Don’t try to recoup losses by placing larger bets or making riskier selections. Stick to your strategy and make calculated decisions based on your analysis.
- Follow Line Movement: Monitor line movement and betting trends. Understand how the market is shifting and consider the implications for your wagers.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Take advantage of promotions and bonuses offered by sportsbooks. These can provide additional value, including free bets, deposit bonuses, or enhanced odds.
Missouri Sports Betting FAQ
No, online sports betting is not yet legal in the state of Missouri. However, that could potentially change in the upcoming years.
Since sports betting has not yet been legalized in Missouri, there are currently no online sportsbooks available in the state. That said, DraftKings, BetRivers, Tipico, and Unibet stand out as a few of the top U.S. sportsbooks that may look to enter the Missouri market should an opportunity present itself.
Yes! Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is legal in Missouri. DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and several other popular DFS platforms are available in the state.
Missouri law allows for in-person betting on horse racing at racetracks across the state. However, there are currently no racetracks open in Missouri, meaning you will not be able to place bets on horse racing within state lines.
Yes, you can potentially use a virtual private network (VPN) to spoof your location and place bets from a state where sports betting is not yet legal. However, we strongly discourage you from doing so, as you will likely get your account banned and have to forfeit all winnings once the sportsbook finds out.
