Missouri sports betting launches Monday. Here’s how it will work
.JPG "Sports fans will be able to wager on games in Missouri starting Dec. 1. The Show Me State is one of the last states to allow the practice — Kansas launched sports betting in 2022.")
After more than a year of preparation, sports betting will become available in Missouri on Monday, Dec. 1.
People in Missouri over the age of 21 will be able to wager on professional and collegiate football, baseball, basketball and soccer games.
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and former Royals star Alex Gordon will place some of the first bets at ceremonies Monday.
A flurry of advertisements accompanied the start of preregistration Nov. 17, when the nine approved apps could start signing up users.
Voters narrowly approved a statewide ballot initiative in November 2024 to legalize sports betting.
The state of Missouri will impose a 10% tax on sports betting, with some revenue going to regulation and at least $5 million allocated to a fund intended to help prevent compulsive gambling, according to ballot language.
Missouri was one of the last states to permit the practice — of Missouri’s neighbors, only Oklahoma still prohibits sports gambling.
Here’s what you need to know before Monday, Dec. 1.
Where can I find Missouri sportsbook promos?
Many apps are offering deals for users who join before Dec. 1. Outlets like the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and PlayUSA share information about discount codes.
Which Missouri games will take place after sports gambling goes live?
Here are some notable games on Show Me State teams’ schedules in early December:
The St. Louis Blues hockey team plays at home Dec. 1, and away Dec. 4.
On Dec. 7, the Chiefs will play the Texans on Sunday Night Football as they fight for a spot in the playoffs.
That same day, the University of Missouri men’s basketball team faces off against the University of Kansas at the T-Mobile Center, and Missouri State University’s women’s basketball team plays the Jayhawks in Springfield.
Later in the month, college football teams will play in bowl games.
Which sports betting apps will be available in Missouri?
When you go to a game, or are hanging at a tailgate or bar near a stadium, you can place bets with a partnered app. When sports gambling begins Dec. 1, you will be able to use any of these apps while in the Show Me State.
These companies were approved for sports gambling mobile licenses in Missouri, according to an Oct. 30 document on the Missouri Gaming Commission website:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Circa Sports
- DraftKings
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Penn Sports (which operates ESPN Bet, formerly known as Barstool Sportsbook)
- Underdog Sports
Which casinos will have sports betting?
Out of Missouri’s 13 casinos, eight received licenses to operate sports betting at their locations. Jan Zimmerman, chair of the Missouri Gaming Commission, said some are building betting windows or areas to watch games, while others are waiting until the launch to invest.
These casinos received retail licenses while affiliated with a partnered sportsbook, according to a document on the Missouri Gaming Commission website:
- Century Casino in Cape Girardeau with BetMGM
- Harrah’s Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis, with Caesars Sportsbook
- Argosy Casino and Hotel in Riverside, Hollywood Casino St. Louis in Maryland Heights and River City Casino Hotel in St. Louis with ESPN Bet
Why did it take more than a year to launch sports betting in Missouri?
Originally, the Missouri Gaming Commission hoped to have sports gambling up and running by mid-to-late summer with an emergency rules request.
But in February, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected an emergency rules request from the commission, which Hoskins said in a statement allowed for more public input and transparency.
The decision delayed instituting sports betting regulations. Gaming companies had to wait until late August to submit their application for licenses and hire employees, instead of early March, Zimmerman said in February.
What should I do if I have a gambling problem?
The Missouri Department of Mental Health maintains a list of gambling treatment providers that offer their services for free. Their website includes advice for people who are concerned about their loved one’s gambling.
For immediate support, text 800GAM or call 1-800-522-4700 to reach the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
