Missouri Online Gambling | What Is Legal? What Is Coming Next?

Online gambling laws are evolving rapidly across the United States, and Missouri is no exception. If you are curious about what’s allowed, this page serves as your definitive guide to Missouri’s online gambling landscape. We’ll break down your options for legal play—including sweepstakes casinos and daily fantasy sports—and walk through the legislative efforts that recently made online sports betting a reality. 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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Is online gambling legal in Missouri?

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

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 introduced in Missouri but failed to pass both chambers.
• November 2024 – Missouri voters approve a ballot initiative to legalize online sports betting.
• December 202 – 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.
• December 1, 2025 – First online sportsbooks expected to 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 because 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 – Legalized in 2025; online and in-person betting will launch soon.
• 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.

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 U.S. 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.

Online 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 expected to go live on December 1, 2025. This is the date that launch is required by law, and after hitting some snags, it doesn’t look like an earlier launch is in the cards.

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. Those are technically illegal and are known for lax cybersecurity and not paying winners. Having legal, regulated options for Missouri sports bettors is a huge win.

Expected operators

Missouri law allows for up to 21 licenses for online sports wagering. Online operators can partner with any of the 13 riverboat casinos or 6 professional sports teams in the state. However, two “untethered” licenses are also available for operators who wish to offer online sports betting without being tied to a casino or sports team.

The window to apply for licenses just opened, and it does not close until September. Final results will not be announced until after that. So at this point, we are making an educated guess about which operators are coming. However, it is pretty safe to say that all of the major players will ultimately launch in the Show Me state.  Here are the online sportsbooks we expect to see:

• FanDuel
• DraftKings
• Bet365
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• Fanatics
• ESPN Bet
• BetRivers
• Circa Sports
• Bally Bet Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget
• Hard Rock Bet
• betway
• Borgata Sportsbook

Certainly it’s possible that not all of these operators will ultimately launch in Missouri, but most of them will. The remaining licenses will likely be filled by a local brand. And of course, it’s also entirely possible that not all licenses ultimately get filled.

Neighboring states with legal sports betting

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

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 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.

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 Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling – Offers educational materials and treatment referrals.
• National Council on Problem Gambling – Screening tools, chat support, and national resources.
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer-led support groups for compulsive gamblers.
• Help Line: 1-888-BETSOFF (24/7 confidential support)