Is Missouri’s December iGaming Launch Really Happening?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Sports betting is officially on the horizon for Missouri residents, with a statewide launch expected no later than December 1, 2025. While the initial rollout was targeted for June, a regulatory setback has pushed the timeline back, though momentum remains strong following the narrow passage of Amendment 2 in November 2024.

The path to legalization has been shaped by both public demand and a unique push from the state’s six professional sports franchises. In May 2024, the teams jointly submitted over 340,000 signatures to place the sports betting measure on the ballot. Voters responded by approving the amendment by a margin of just 0.2%, with 50.1% voting in favor.

Despite this win, the process hit a roadblock in February 2025 when Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the Missouri Gaming Commission’s emergency rules, citing failure to meet procedural requirements. This move forced regulators to pursue the standard review process, delaying implementation.

Hoskins, a long-time opponent of sports betting legislation, has been consistent in his criticism. Still, if the revised rules proceed without further delay, Missouri residents could begin placing wagers in time for the 2025 NFL season.

Betting Options and Licensing Framework

Under the new law, residents will be able to place bets through mobile apps, retail sportsbooks at land-based casinos, and kiosks located at sports stadiums. Each of the state’s six pro teams and 13 land-based casinos will be eligible for one retail and one online license. In total, Missouri will offer 19 retail and 21 online sports betting licenses.

Applications open May 15, with a deadline of August 30. Additionally, the Missouri Gaming Commission may issue up to two standalone “Category 3” licenses, which allow online operators to function independently of a casino or team affiliation.

Notably, major sports franchises are already forging partnerships ahead of the rollout. The St. Louis Cardinals have aligned with bet365, while BetMGM has partnered with the Kansas City Chiefs. Caesars, which previously spent millions opposing sports betting in Missouri, may still pursue a mobile license despite past resistance.

The state has set a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue. Bettors must be at least 21 years old to participate.

Gambling Landscape in Missouri

While sports betting inches closer to launch, online casino gambling remains illegal in Missouri. In the meantime, residents have turned to alternatives such as the state lottery, social sportsbooks, and daily fantasy sports—though recent regulation restricts those platforms to peer-to-peer contests.

Social gaming and sweepstakes models, like Chumba Casino and Fliff, have filled some of the demand, offering real-money prizes within legal loopholes. Traditional horse race betting has been legal since 1984, but there are currently no active racetracks operating in the state.

 

Sports betting in Missouri is no longer a distant dream—it’s on the verge of becoming reality, with the state’s pro teams driving the charge.

Looking Ahead

The integration of sports betting into stadiums and team platforms marks a new chapter in Missouri’s sports and gambling ecosystem. Once launched, fans will not only be able to watch their favorite teams live but also place bets directly at the venue or through branded mobile apps.

If all goes according to plan, Missouri sports fans will have access to legal sports betting just in time for the fall football season—a long-awaited development after years of legislative gridlock and shifting public opinion.