When can you bet on the Chiefs in Missouri? Here’s the latest on sports gambling
If Missouri residents want to bet on a Chiefs playoff game in 2025, they’ll still have to cross state lines.
In November, the Show Me State joined seven of its neighbors in voting to legalize sports betting. Amendment 2 passed in Missouri by a narrow margin.
Behind the ballot initiative was a pro sports betting coalition that took action after years of failed legislation in Jefferson City.
The coalition, called Winning for Missouri Education, was backed by all major Missouri professional teams — including the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Current — and received large donations from mobile sports betting operators FanDuel and DraftKings.
While the amendment technically took effect Dec. 5, 2024, officials have until Dec. 1, 2025, to institute sports gambling in the state.
But Missourians might wonder when the casinos and apps can accept bets in Missouri and why the process takes that long. To answer these questions, The Star spoke with Jan Zimmerman, chairman of the Missouri Gaming Commission, which regulates casino, fantasy sports and bingo regulations in the state.
When will people be able to bet on games in Missouri?
Zimmerman said people frequently ask her if sports betting will be ready by the start of the NFL season on Sept. 4.
“I’d like to hope so,” she said.
Zimmerman estimated that Missourians will place their first sports wagers in the state by mid- to late summer.
“With everything that’s involved in putting this together, I hope that the public is understanding of how hard our folks are working to make it happen,” Zimmerman said.
Are DraftKings and FanDuel legal in Missouri?
While sports fans can use DraftKings and FanDuel’s fantasy sports features, the online sports betting features will not be available until sports gambling is legal in mid- to late summer.
What is the process to getting sports betting up and running in Missouri?
The Missouri Gaming Commission officials are currently writing the proposed regulations for sports betting. This includes security procedures, license applications, and rules for when and how the money moves from casinos and apps to the state treasury.
Once the Gaming Commission finishes writing the initial regulations, it will send the documents to the governor, which Zimmerman estimates will happen by the end of January.
After the governor and secretary of state approve the proposals, the commission opens up the rules for 30 days of public comment.
Once regulations are in place, the commission can start accepting applications for licenses for casinos and individual employees who work closely with sports gambling operations. The casino and online licenses will involve an in-person investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol.
Have more questions about sporting betting in Missouri? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published January 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM.
