Missouri has officially launched legal sports betting, becoming the 39th state to do so following the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling. Starting December 1, 2025, residents aged 21 and older can bet on professional and college sporting events via licensed online platforms and retail locations throughout the state. The Missouri Gaming Commission has issued licenses to major sportsbooks including FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, bet365, and Fanatics, which offer various betting options such as point spreads, in-game wagers, and same-game parlays.
To ensure the integrity of college sports, Missouri has prohibited “proposition bets” on individual player performances for games involving Missouri college teams. This measure responds to recent national scandals, including bribery charges against professional athletes and NCAA player suspensions, raising concerns about game manipulation.
The state has imposed a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, directing funds to the Missouri Gaming Commission’s expenses, the Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund, and educational initiatives across all levels.
As the sports betting industry grows, Missouri’s careful approach aims to harness economic benefits while safeguarding the integrity of sports and consumer protection. The launch is seen as a significant step, highlighting the balance the state seeks between the expansion of recreational gambling and the need for regulatory oversight amid industry scrutiny.
Leave a comment