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Missouri Online Gambling – Legal Options and Next Steps

Jared Daigle Avatar
Jared Daigle
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Online gambling laws are evolving rapidly across the United States, and Missouri is no exception. This page will serve as your definitive guide to Missouri’s online gambling landscape. Right now, everyone is focused on the imminent launch of legal sports betting on Dec. 1, 2025, so we will start with all the latest news there, including the welcome offers already available...Read More

From there, we’ll break down your options for legal play. You’ll also find details on responsible gambling resources and what to expect next for real-money online casinos in Missouri.

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Online sports betting pre-launch offers in Missouri

Download the DraftKings Sportsbook App for Missouri Launch on Dec. 1
Download the DraftKings Sportsbook App for Missouri Launch on Dec. 1
$200 in Bonus Bets
Once DK is Live in Missouri Dec 1
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  • Missouri New Customer Offer:

  • Bet $5 Once DK is live in MO & Score $200 in Bonus Bets

  • Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

  • 21+. Physically present in Missouri. Eligibility restrictions apply. Register for a Missouri online sports wagering account starting 11/17. 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet when we go live on 12/1 req. Excludes customers who redeem prelaunch signup offer. Max. $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

(Note: Missouri bettors are not able to register an account quite yet. As soon as they are, they will be entered into this promotion, which will be credited to their account as soon as sports betting launches on December 1st.)

Sports betting in Missouri

Sports betting is officially legal in Missouri after voters supported it in the polls (albeit narrowly). The newly signed legislation allows for both online and in-person wagering, with the first online sportsbooks set to go live on December 1, 2025, the date that the launch is required by law.

This is exciting news. Before legalization, Missouri sports bettors had to travel across state lines to place bets. Or, they had to rely on offshore sites, which are technically illegal and known for lax cybersecurity and not paying winners. Having legal, regulated options for Missouri sports bettors is a huge win.

Which sportsbooks are coming to Missouri?

Missouri law allows for up to 14 licenses for online sports wagering. Twelve of these licenses will be linked to retail casinos or professional sports teams in the state. Meanwhile, two “untethered” licenses are also available for operators who wish to offer online sports betting without being tied to a casino or sports team.

We now know the recipients of the untethered licenses: DraftKings Sportsbook and Circa Sports. Meanwhile, several other sportsbooks have partnered with other entitities for a license. And we know of several other operators who applied for licenses in the state, though the exact partnerships aren’t clear yet. Technically, licenses won’t be announced until after the operators present to the MGC in later September. However, here are the sportsbooks set to or expected to launch on Dec. 1 in Missouri:

Online SportsbookLauch DateMissouri In-State PartnerAnnounced pre-launch offerSign-Up Bonus Example from Other States
DraftKings SportsbookDec. 1, 2025None (untethered license)Bet $5, Get $200N/A
Fanatics SportsbookDec. 1, 2025Boyd GamingN/AGet Up to $100 Back in FanCash If Your Football Bet Loses
bet365Dec. 1, 2025St. Louis CardinalsN/ABet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
BetMGMDec. 1, 2025Century CasinosN/AUp to $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back on your First Bet if it Doesn't Win
Caesars SportsbookDec. 1, 2025Harrah's Kansas City and Horseshoe St. LouisN/ABet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 20 Wagers
ESPN BETDec. 1, 2025Hollywood Casino and River City CasinoN/AWager $10, Get a $100 Bonus Bet
FanDuelDec. 1, 2025St. Louis SCN/ABet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
UnderdogDec. 1, 2025Not announcedN/A100% deposit match up to $100
Circa SportsDec. 1, 2025None (untethered license)N/ADoesn't have sign-up bonuses
KambiDec. 1, 2025Not announcedN/AIn the past, Kambi has been a software provider for other platforms, like Bally Bet. This is the first time they have applied for an operator license, so we aren't sure what that will become. Bally Bet, offers Bet $10, Get $50 in other states.

As you can see, almost all of the biggest names in sports betting are coming to the Show-Me State. However, a few prominent operators (namely, Hard Rock and BetRivers) seem to be sitting this launch out.

Neighboring states with legal sports betting

  • Illinois – Online and retail sportsbooks
  • Kansas – Online and retail since 2022
  • Tennessee – Online-only market since 2020

Latest news about Missouri online gambling

Is online gambling legal in Missouri?

Online gambling in Missouri is now partially legal. In November 2024, the state took a significant step forward by allowing the public to vote on legalizing online sports betting. The measure passed. However, traditional real-money online casinos and poker sites remain prohibited. Instead, Missouri residents can legally participate in sweepstakes-style casino games.

Daily fantasy sports are also legal in the Show-Me State.

Summary of Missouri statutes regarding gambling

Missouri gambling laws are primarily codified in Chapter 572 of the Revised Statutes. These laws prohibit unlicensed gambling operations and define gambling as risking something of value on a contest of chance. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees licensed operators, and its scope now includes regulating online sportsbooks under the recently passed HB 2331.

Timeline of legal developments

  • 2018 – Repeal of PASPA opens the door for sports betting legislation.
  • 2019–2023 – Several sports betting bills were introduced in Missouri, but failed to pass both chambers.
  • November 2024 – Missouri voters approve a ballot initiative to legalize online sports betting.
  • December 2024 – Amendment goes into effect, and the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) begins the process of establishing rules and regulations for the new industry.
  • May 15, 2025: The Missouri Gaming Commission opens the application period for sports betting licenses.
  • August 19, 2025: Circa Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook awarded Missouri’s two untethered licenses.
  • December 1, 2025 – First online sportsbooks will launch.

Legal gambling options in Missouri

Missouri offers a mix of gambling options:

  • Land-based casinos – 13 licensed casinos offer slots, table games, and poker. (These are often called riverboat casinos, even though they are usually on land. The reason is that Missouri law dictates that casinos be within a certain distance of the state’s rivers.)
  • State lottery – Available through authorized retailers of the Missouri Lottery
  • Charitable gaming – Raffles, bingo, and other games permitted for fundraising
  • Sports betting – Will launch on Dec. 1, 2025.
  • Daily fantasy sports (DFS) – Legal and regulated since 2016.
  • Poker – Available only at land-based casinos.
  • Bingo – Licensed charitable organizations can offer bingo events. Unlike many other states, bingo is generally not offered at land-based casinos because the games are regulated by a different division of the Missouri Gaming Commission.
  • Horse betting – Though it is technically legal to bet on horse racing, Missouri has no active racetracks or licensed platforms.

Which of these are available online?

  • Sports betting: Will launch online in December 2025.
  • DFS: Legal and offered by major platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
  • Sweepstakes casinos: Fully legal; accessible via desktop and mobile.

Note: While the Missouri Lottery has an app with some digital services, you cannot buy tickets online. Lottery couriers are also not operating in the Show-Me State, although lawmakers have begun to express interest in changing that fact.

Social and sweepstakes casinos in Missouri

In the absence of real-money online casinos, many Missourians turn to social casinos and sweepstakes casinos, which are legal under US sweepstakes laws. These platforms operate on a promotional model using two types of virtual currency:

  • Gold Coins (GC) for non-redeemable play.
  • Sweeps Coins (SC), which can be redeemed for real cash prizes.

Sometimes, different sites use different names for the coins as a branding technique. (For example, FunzCity Casino calls theirs Fun Coins and City Coins, respectively.) However, the idea is always the same.

Key differences from traditional gambling

  • No real-money deposits for gameplay.
  • No purchase is necessary to win prizes.
  • Users can request Sweeps Coins by mail.
  • Winnings can be redeemed for cash after meeting minimum thresholds.

Popular options

Here’s a closer look at some of the most trusted sweepstakes casinos legally available in Missouri. These platforms offer unique welcome bonuses, game selections, and player perks, making them stand out among the competition:

Each of these platforms is fully legal for Missouri residents and operates under federal sweepstakes laws. They do not require deposits to win prizes, making them a safe and accessible option for players seeking real rewards without the risk of traditional gambling.

Future of online casino gambling in Missouri

While online casino gaming remains illegal, there have been multiple efforts to change that. Notably, in 2021, Missouri Representative Dan Shaul introduced HB 1364, which proposed a regulatory framework for online casino gaming alongside sports betting. The bill did not advance beyond committee, but it marked one of the first formal legislative attempts to legalize iGaming in the state.

In subsequent years (2022–2023), additional online casino provisions were discussed in conjunction with sports betting bills, but lawmakers were unable to reach a consensus. The passage of sports betting in 2024 has reignited interest in online casino regulation, and several lawmakers have hinted that future sessions could take up the issue again, particularly if sports betting tax revenues exceed expectations.

Political players and influence groups

Of course, almost all issues in an American legislature have people sparring over the results. In the case of online casinos in Missouri, these are the most prominent voices.

Supporters:

  • St. Louis Cardinals & Kansas City Chiefs – These teams have been vocal supporters of expanded gambling, advocating for legal sports betting and expressing openness to future online casino regulation as a revenue opportunity and fan engagement tool.
  • Online operators (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM) – These national brands lobbied not only for sports betting but have a documented interest in expanding into iGaming markets wherever feasible.
  • Missouri Chamber of Commerce – Backed legislation that could bring new tax revenues and stimulate job growth, with support likely to extend to future online casino bills.

Opponents:

  • Socially conservative lawmakers – Often raise concerns about gambling addiction and the societal costs of expanded access to betting. For example, Senator Denny Hoskins has repeatedly opposed gambling legislation unless it meets specific tax and regulatory standards.
  • Faith-based and family advocacy groups – These organizations have consistently pushed back against expanded gambling on moral and public health grounds. The Missouri Family Network is among the most prominent, warning of the risks of addiction, increased household debt, and youth exposure.
  • Charitable and veterans organizations – These groups have warned that further expansion of gambling, especially into online casinos, could reduce participation in bingo and raffles, which fund important nonprofit services.

What to expect next

If sports betting proves successful, Missouri may explore online casino legislation in 2026 or 2027, potentially paving the way for full iGaming platforms. Given that their sportsbook products will already be present, it will be fascinating to see whether DraftKings Casino or Fanatics Casino could come to Missouri.

Responsible gambling resources

Missouri promotes responsible gambling through state and national organizations that help players recognize and manage problem behavior.

State and national resources

Missouri online gambling FAQs

No. Using a VPN to access restricted gambling sites violates terms of service and leads to forfeited winnings and account suspension.

Not yet, but DraftKings Sportsbook will launch on Dec. 1. The sportsbook secured one of Missouri’s “untethered” sports betting licenses, meaning its license is not linked to an in-state casino or sports franchise.

DraftKings DFS is already operational in Missouri. DraftKing Casino couldn’t launch unless Missouri legalized online casinos.

You can be, but that is pretty rare. The bigger concerns with offshore sites are that they often do not protect your data or pay out when you win. And since they are unregulated, you cannot get any support if that happens.

You need to be at least 18 to participate in lottery and charity games. Sports betting is limited to players 21 or over. With sweepstakes casinos, it depends on the site. Most will allow you to play if you are over 18, but some require players to be 21.

Yes. No purchase is required to participate or win. You can earn Sweeps Coins through welcome promos, mail-in requests, login bonuses, social media competitions, and more. And if you win enough with Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for cash and prizes.

 

Absolutely. Once you’ve collected enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real cash prizes or digital gift cards.

There are no specific laws. Most crypto casinos operate offshore and are unregulated within Missouri. However, some sweeps casinos, such as Stake.us and Casino.click, allow cryptocurrency transactions, and those sites are perfectly legit.

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