Missouri is home to a number of iconic major professional sports leagues, so it makes sense why lawmakers have pushed so hard to introduce sports betting to the state. That being said, sports betting is still illegal in Missouri and will likely remain to be until 2021. As there are no Missouri sports betting sites that we can recommend, we’ve instead focused our attention on discussing what gambling options are available. We’ve also dedicated a significant portion of the page to exploring what the current gaming laws are, and how and when they are expected to change.
We’d like to remind our readers that if you come across any websites claiming to be the best Missouri online sportsbooks, these out-of-state bookmakers are not legal. Many offshore betting sites will make these claims and accept Missouri players despite being illegal. Instead of signing up with these sites, we recommend you instead bet on the lottery, daily fantasy sports, and casino games.
Current Missouri Sports Betting Situation
Before the 2020 legislative session, Missouri was considered to be one of the top few states in the country that would most likely legalize sports betting. Then, when the legislative session ended unexpectedly early, the numerous sports betting bills were left unvoted on. Despite this, it’s expected that one bill in particular will succeed in passing once the 2021 session resumes. This bill seeks to authorize in-person and mobile betting at Missouri sports betting sites doesn’t impose an integrity fee, and doesn’t require sportsbooks use league data.
These characteristics have been popular with the local gaming industry, though local sports teams are pushing for the use of league data. Regardless, it’s an issue that is unlikely to thwart the success of the effort once it goes to a vote. For the time being, you may be tempted to join an offshore online bookmaker that claims to be the best Missouri online sportsbook. Be warned that these offshore betting sites are illegal and are by no means a safe way to bet.
Are Missouri Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Available
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are contests that ask players to draft a fantasy lineup of athletes from a professional sports league. Players pay a small entry fee that goes toward a prize pool, points are scored based on the real-life performance of their chosen athletes. Players with the most points win a share of the prize pool. If it sounds like fun, it’s because it is.
Missouri has officially legalized DFS on the grounds that it is considered to be a game of skill, and therefore not gambling. This skill element is what differentiates it, in the law’s eyes, from sports betting, which is considered to rely more upon luck. Great Missouri online bookies for DFS include DraftKings and FanDuel, which offer contests for leagues such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, and more.
Missouri Online Casinos
Missouri riverboat casinos were first legalized in 1992, and have since become the lifeblood of the local gaming industry. A number of these casinos are operated by national gaming companies such as Penn National Gaming including the Hollywood Casino in St. Louis and the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City and offer a full gaming experience with table games and slots.
Unfortunately, online casino gambling is not legal in Missouri, though it is legal to play at social online casinos. As long as no real money is wagered, gamers can play everything from poker, blackjack, and slots. Occasionally, sweepstakes competitions will even give players the chance to compete for real cash prizes.
Online State Lottery in Missouri
Missouri has offered residents and visitors a lottery since 1988 after voters approved a measure to allow its creation. Since its launch, the Missouri Lottery has raised more than six billion dollars for state education programs, a staggering amount considering it’s relatively young age.
There are a number of popular games available to play, including national draw games, multi-state games, and daily Missouri-only games such as scratch cards and pull-tab offerings. Unfortunately, online lottery ticket sales are not permitted in MO.
Off Track Horse Betting in Missouri
Although horse racing is legal in Missouri, you are unable to bet on horse races in the state. This is because betting is limited to horse racing track, and with all local racing tracks now shut down, there are no betting options. Until online horse race betting or off-track betting parlors are established, you’ll have to give horse racing a miss.
What Would Legal Sports Betting in Missouri Look Like?
Although it’s not certain which sports betting bill lawmakers will decide to pass, there are a few characteristics of legal sportsbooks that we would safely bet on being included. The first of these is mobile betting. Lawmakers and gaming industry insiders know that the creation of Missouri online gambling sites for sports betting will be integral to the market turning a profit so we expect that each physical license holder will also operate an online sportsbook so players can place bets online.
Both bills also set a tax rate of between 12 and 15%, which is lower than Tennessee’s rate of 20% but much higher than Illinois’ tax rate of 6.75%. As for what can be bet on, all of the state’s major sports leagues have come out in support of sports betting, meaning that players can expect to be able to wager on favorite local teams such as the St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), and the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL). All of these factors considered, we believe that Missouri online bookies will be among the best online betting sites.
Another important factor to consider is that new sportsbooks will be regulated by the local gaming authority the Missouri Gaming Commission (MSG). The MSG will ensure that the market and odds remain fair and is following the rules that they set, enforce fees and tax payments, and oversee player protection programs to prevent vulnerable players from playing. The MSG will also approve which leagues and sports can be bet on, and have the power to grant bettors the right to wager on eSports such as League of Legends and Counter Strike: GO tournaments.
Should betting be legalized in the state, players can expect complete Vegas-style sportsbooks. By that I mean, players can place bets on the NBA, NFL, as well as other sports. Odds are, punters will also have access to exciting bonuses (free bets, deposit matches) for new players. All of the best sportsbook sites offer these.
Final Thoughts
As far as states that are yet to legalize sports betting go, we have no fear that Missouri won’t create a sports betting market. Everyone who is integral to the success of legalization is on board with the measures, so we have little doubt that sports betting will come to Missouri in 2021. Currently, plenty of locals are traveling across state lines to Iowa and Illinois to legally wager on sports, but if you would rather stay in the state to legally gamble, we suggest gambling at one of many Missouri riverboat casinos, the lottery, and daily fantasy sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about the legality of Missouri sports betting sites or the state’s current gambling laws? To help you choose the best legal, fair, and safe gambling options, we’ve answered some common queries about gambling in Missouri.
Is online gambling and sports betting legal in Missouri?
No, online gambling and sports betting are not legal in Missouri just yet. However this is likely to change in the next year or so when sports betting laws change. One that happens, we'll offer in-depth analysis of the best Missouri sportsbooks. Keep your eyes peeled for new laws.
What is the Missouri legal gambling age?
Similar to other states, there are two minimum gambling ages depending which you decide to gamble on. To buy lottery tickets, players must be over the age of 18 years old. To sign up to DFS or play at casinos, players must be over 21 years old.
Are unlicensed bookmaker sites safe?
You may come across offshore betting websites that accept Missouri bettors, but be warned that these websites are not licensed and therefore not safe. To earn a license, a bookmaker must prove that it is fair and is protecting customers. Without this, there’s no guarantee of safety.
Can I use off-shore sportsbooks or out-of-state internet betting sites to bet?
Although off-shore or out-of-state betting sites can be accessed and you can technically use them to bet, we would not recommend doing so. Instead, we suggest waiting until the laws change to allow for the creation of trustworthy Missouri online bookies.
Can I use the FanDuel or DraftKings app in Missouri?
In time, we’re sure that either FanDuel and DraftKings will be a great Missouri sports betting app, and thankfully both are operational in Missouri. However, you can only use them to wager on daily fantasy sports until sports betting is legalized. Once a new bill passes that legalizes sports betting, the award-winning sportsbooks will be available to residents of MO.
Can I buy online lottery tickets in Missouri?
No, you are unable to buy an online lottery ticket in Missouri. Instead, you will need to visit a physical retailer to participate in the lotto. If you’re struggling to find a retailer, we suggest downloading the Missouri Lottery app to locate the nearest one to you.