If there’s a state that’s nearing the “goal line” to legalize sports betting, it’s Missouri. The state has been active with its efforts to get legal sports wagering going, but keeps getting denied in the end zone. We’re convinced that won’t last for long though.
In this guide to Missouri sports betting, we’ll break down where things stand in the state. But more importantly, how to bet while we wait for an official legal option. This page will cover everything you need to know about betting stateside so don’t go anywhere.
Quick Missouri Facts
State | Missouri |
---|---|
⚖️ Sports Betting Laws | ❌Not Available |
👫 Population | 6 Million |
👶 Minimum Gambling Age | N/A |
🏙️ Retail Sports Betting | ❌Not Available |
🌐 Online Sports Betting | ❌Not Available |
📱 Mobile Sports Betting | ❌Not Available |
🐎 Online Horse Betting | ❌Not Available |
🏆 DFS | ✅ Available |
Is Sports Betting Legal In Missouri?
No, it’s not legal as of middle 2024. However, that can all change come November 2024. That’s because sports betting is officially on the ballot this election season. Missouri bettors will be able to vote for or against legalized wagering on sports in November.
The vote comes after the over 340,000 signatures were compiled to get on the ballot. Ironically enough, the local sports teams in the area — the Chiefs, Cardinals, Royals, and more — grouped together (calling themselves Winning for Missouri Education) to bring awareness to this campaign. They used team mascots to drive more signatures, and it worked like a charm.
Polling suggests more voters are in favor of betting than not. Back in March, a poll said that 60% of likely voters believe betting should be legalized. Another 25% were opposed. The remaining 14% said they were unsure.
However, if you’re in Missouri, you don’t have to wait until November to bet, especially with Chiefs football returning. There are offshore betting sites that work right now, and will continue to work even if sports gambling is legalized come November. Matter of fact, these will likely remain better options for bettors. Keep reading and we’ll explain ourselves.
Latest Missouri Legal Betting Updates
Oct 14, 2024 09:55 AM
FanDuel ($5 million) and Caesars ($3.3 million) have made fresh contributions to Missouri sports betting lobby groups, but on opposite sides of the issue—FanDuel backing the "Winning for Missouri Education" campaign and Caesars supporting the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment (MADOGA).
Missouri Sports Betting Timeline
It's been a tug-of-war to legalize betting in the state. Here's a timeline snapshot of everything that's happened in recent years:
Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in Missouri
Best overall | |
---|---|
Best bonuses | BetUS |
Most unique bonuses | BetNow |
Top VIP program | MyBookie |
Best reputation | |
Best sportsbook | BetOnline |
Best casino | Everygame |
Best mobile app | XBet |
Best for live betting | Everygame |
Best for new players | |
Best up-and-coming sportsbook | XBet |
Top 7 Missouri Sports Betting Sites
We get asked all the time, “what are the best offshore sportsbooks?” Well, our answer is below. These are our top-7 favorites sites for Missouri bettors:
- Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
- BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
- BetUS - Extensive range of betting bonuses that pay big time.
- XBet - Really top-notch mobile betting app.
- BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
- Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
- MyBookie - Innovative rewards program for long-term betting.
#1 Bovada
Bovada Missouri Pros & Cons
- Extremely trustworthy brand
- Excellent user experience
- Sportsbook bonuses pay peanuts
- Dated-looking design
The first thing that comes to mind about Bovada is trust. They are one of the most respected offshore bookies for two major reasons. One of their longevity. Two is their user experience, which is above so many competitors.
Let’s talk about that user experience. It’s boosted big time by Bovada’s simplicity and ease of use. While some sites get bogged down with flashy features that can be more confusing than helpful, Bovada keeps it dead simple. The layout is clean, the navigation is a breeze, and finding your favorite sports comes intuitively. The only thing that matters here is the betting.
Bovada also offers a wide range of betting options. Yes, sports is an absolute given, but casino options are pretty underrated too. Both create a complimentary experience where it’s tough to ever be bored as a player.
One other thing worth mentioning about Bovada: your money is in good hands here. That’s always a worry with bettors, especially if you have a negative perception of “offshore” entities. But there’s no way Bovada would be one of the most-used sites around if it were sketchy. No way. Quite the opposite actually as the trust factor here is through the roof.
For Missouri bettors who appreciate a platform that’s trustworthy, easy to use, and packed with variety, Bovada is a solid choice. It’s all about getting in on the action without any hassle, and that’s exactly what Bovada delivers.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2 BetOnline
BetOnline Missouri Pros & Cons
- All-in-one betting platform
- Well-priced lines
- Sportsbook bonuses are bad
When it comes to just offering an all-you-can-eat buffet of bets, BetOnline is hard to outdo. We’re wowed by just how deep the sportsbook menu is at BetOnline every time we visit.
The lion’s share of the betting selection is obviously reserved for the “big four” sports leagues — NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. However, BetOnline really shines with its ancillary sports like curling or ping pong or snooker, and all these other random events. It seems like anything and everything can be wagered on BetOnline, and that’s what Missouri bettors should want.
BetOnline also offers a wide range of bet types, from standard moneylines and spreads to props and futures. This variety means you can get creative with your bets, whether you’re backing a Patrick Mahomes-related prop or a straight bet on the Royals game tonight. You’ll never get bored with all these options, we’ll tell you that!
To top it all off, BetOnline’s odds are competitive. They are either in line with the top sportsbooks (including the ones you see in Las Vegas) or something even better. There are a few instances when you’ll see BetOnline offering slightly cheaper prices than another bookie on the same exact bet. That’s literally money in the bank.
BetOnline is the total package for sports betters. A deep betting menu, well-priced lines, fast betting lines — it’s got it all!
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3 BetUS
BetUS Missouri Pros & Cons
- Lucrative promotions
- Deep betting menu
- Free play expires in seven days
- High rollover requirements
BetUS is a top choice for Missouri bettors wanting to bet for free. Yes, for free! And in this economy, who doesn’t want some spare money to gamble with?
Indeed, the platform has an impressive list of bonuses. From the moment you sign up, you’re greeted with a welcome bonus that goes above and beyond what you’ll find elsewhere. Get this, BetUS’s sign-up offer tops out at $3125 in free play. Heck, if the deposit is made with crypto, it jumps up to $5000 in free play. This is a head-turning amount of money that’s tough to find elsewhere.
Not only is getting free play great, but honestly, it’s a smart strategy. The money being awarded helps minimize the risks of betting since you’re not using your own funds. That’s why Missouri bettors would be smart to gamble off these deals — it’ll help the long-term profits, trust me.
Moreover, BetUS has an in-depth sportsbook where all these free funds can go to use. Of course, you can bet on big leagues like the NFL and NBA, but BetUS also offers odds on a wide range of sports, including international markets and niche events. This means that no matter your interests, you’ll always find something interesting to bet on.
Overall, BetUS delivers a well-rounded and exciting betting experience that’s hard to beat. The bonuses only add up over time so it really does have unlimited free-play opportunities!
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4 XBet
XBet Missouri Pros & Cons
- Really elite mobile app
- No download needed for app
- Bonuses and contests are vanilla
Plan on betting on the move? If so, XBet is calling your name. That’s because they have one of the very best mobile experiences of all — from top to bottom.
One thing that the XBet app nails off the bat is its design. Unlike some platforms that haven’t been updated in years, XBet has a fresh look that’s both stylish and functional. The latter is more important, of course. XBet has designed its app to be incredibly intuitive, allowing bettors to quickly find the wagers they want without any hassle. This will be clutch during a Chiefs game when you’re trying to place a bet via your phone right before kickoff.
XBet also makes the mobile experience extremely accessible. You don’t even need to download an app to get the full experience — just pop open your browser on a mobile device, and voila, it works! This easily allows you to place bets anytime, anywhere, without the extra step of installing an app (and hogging ups storage).
In short, XBet offers a top-notch betting experience that’s perfect for today’s mobile-first world. With its sleek design, accessibility, and strong mobile betting features, it’s a platform that’s already ahead of the curve — and likely to stay so.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5 BetNow
BetNow Missouri Pros & Cons
- Multiple promotions to pick from
- Only sportsbook rebate around
- Casino game options could be better
For starters, BetNow has the best name of the bunch. It’s catchy and also appropriate for a platform that’s stocked with betting options — casino, racebook, and yes, sports. But the thing we like most about BetNow are the promotions.
It’s not that BetNow is throwing money around like BetUS with its deals, but they are offering up a TON of different options. This is a sharp contrast to most other betting sites which offer one big bonus and that’s about it. Guess what? At BetNow, players can choose from four different welcome bonuses, three reload deals, and even three rebate programs.
You have to love the flexibility as a bettor. The reality is no two bettors are alike. Everyone has different wants, needs, wallets, and so on. With different options, bettors can at least pick what suits them best — rather than be forced into one promo.
Our favorite bonus of all though is the sportsbook rebate, which offers a 2 percent refund on losses. This kind of promotion is practically unheard of — hell, we don’t know of any other bookmaker that offers any rebate on sports. It goes to show you BetNow’s uniqueness. They are really here to provide immense value to their userbase.
We’ve been around the industry for so long by now that little surprises us. Yet, BetNow did with its approach to promotions. Missouri bettors will take a liking to it too, we’re sure.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#6 Everygame
Everygame Missouri Pros & Cons
- Epic live betting feature
- Easy-to-use design
- Bonuses don't pay all that much
Everygame is a name that carries weight in the betting world, not just because of its long history, but because it continues to evolve and stay relevant in this ever-changing industry (and that's only going to continue changing). Originally known as Intertops, the rebranded Everygame has managed to blend its rich heritage with modern betting features, making it a solid choice for Missouri gamblers.
One area where Everygame truly stands out is its live betting platform. Missouri bettors who enjoy the thrill of betting in real-time will appreciate how smoothly Everygame handles in-play action. The live odds update with a striking closeness to the real game — you notice this in a sport like basketball where the score changes more (and you’ll have it reflected in the live odds blazing fast). This responsiveness is needed to be a successful in-play bettor.
Everygame also excels in its coverage of international sports, particularly soccer. With its European roots, it’s no surprise that the platform offers betting markets on soccer leagues far and wide. Whether you’re following the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, or any other top-tier leagues, Everygame gives you plenty of opportunities to place your bets (plus some soccer-specific bonuses too).
In addition to its sports offerings, Everygame maintains a user-friendly interface that makes navigating through its various features a breeze. The platform is designed to be easy to use, whether you’re placing a quick bet or diving into live action. For Missouri bettors who value a seamless, engaging, and historically rich betting experience, Everygame is a standout choice.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#7 MyBookie
MyBookie Missouri Pros & Cons
- Awesome rewards program
- Stacked betting menu
- Platform design looks and feels dated
- Contests are plain
A lot of the things we’ve brought up about the previous six sites also applies to MyBookie. It too has been around for a while and has a pretty loaded menu of bets. But there’s one area where MyBookie stands out from the crowd.
The standout features its VIP rewards program. Every single bet you ever place on MyBookie earns you points that can be redeemed for free play. The thing is there’s no limit to how much you can earn in the long run. This is a stark contrast to one-time deals (e.g. the sign-up bonus), which have little long-term value.
This rewards program pays big bucks out cause it’s invitation-only. Not every bettor gets to join, which sucks at first, but not once you’re in — you have to be an active player for a long time to get the invite. But still, this exclusivity means the payouts can be bigger since there's fewer people vying for the total pie.
MyBookie is also a one-stop shop for betting. Casino, sports, poker — it’s all here. That’s why the rewards program comes in so clutch because it works across the board. No bet will go unrewarded a MyBookie, that's for certain!
With all that said, MyBookie offers a dynamic betting experience that’s among the best in all of Missouri. This is the platform to go for long-term bettors because the reward program legit has unlimited potential.
Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars?
All of these sportsbooks are patiently waiting for the vote come November. If passed, they will almost surely be granted licenses to operate inside of the state. If denied, well, they will stay blocked from Missouri. If you try to bet on the sites or apps now, this geoblocking will stop you on the spot.
Right now, offshore betting sites are filling the gap in Missouri — and have been for decades now. The offshore industry especially thrives in non-legal states and Missouri is no exception. We’d argue they will continue to thrive no matter November’s result because many local bettors are so entrenched in them already. Marketers call this “stickiness” — where bettors stay on one platform because it's a hassle to switch over.
Latest Missouri Betting News
Sep 26, 2024 10:30 AM
Sports Betting in Missouri Receives Support from Both Gubernatorial National Candidates
Betting On Politics, Esports, And Entertainment In Missouri
Let’s say sports betting is legalized in November. You’ll then be able to bet on politics, esports, and entertainment, right? No, you almost certainly won’t. Most state regulators strictly disallow this type of wagering since it’s not a true “sport.” We expect Missouri to adopt the same stance.
The ONLY place to bet these non-sport outdone are offshore betting sites. Nothing is off the table here — from the U.S. Presidential election to movie box office results to WWE, all of it works just fine. Offshore betting sites thrive by offering more betting markets than their legal counterparts.
Betting Apps In Missouri
Almost all bettors prefer to bet on mobile these days. This is a trend that’s only going to continue growing too. That’s why we have an in-depth guide to betting apps. It’s sort of like this page, but laser-focused on the best apps. There will be overlap with sites listed in this article because these days, you need to do both right to truly be among the best.
Start Betting In Missouri Today — Our Guides
You don’t want to just bet in Missouri. No, you should want to win at betting. But how? Well, it starts with knowing what you’re doing. For all the must-know information, start with the betting guides below:
- Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
- Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which takes your betting to the next level!
- How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
- Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
- Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out
Payment Methods Available For Missouri Sportsbooks
Offshore betting sites accept most of the major payment methods, including the ones below:
- VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
- Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
- Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
- Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.
We should note that only offshore sites are allowed to transact with crypto. Regulated bookies like FanDuel are not legally allowed to accept coins by all state regulators — a provision Missouri will surely follow if it gets legalized. Chalk this up as another advantage of going offshore.
Missouri Casinos And Resorts
All casino betting in Missouri is done through riverboats — yes, riverboats. It's old-school, but it's fun (as long as you don't get sick in the water easily). Here's the riverboat options available right now:
- Ameristar St Charles
- Ameristar Kansas City
- Argosy Casino Riverside
- Harrah’s North Kansas City
- Hollywood Casino St. Louis
- Isle Casino Cape Girardeau
- Isle of Capri Casino Booneville
- Isle of Capri Kansas City
- Lady Luck Casino Caruthersville
- Mark Twain Casino La Grange
- Lumiere Place St. Louis
- River City Casino St. Louis
- President Casino Laclede’s Landing
- St. Jo Frontier Casino St. Joseph
History of Missouri Legalization Efforts
We provided a timeline of events before, but here's a little more context to the situation over the years:
2018-2019: Early Momentum
Even before the US Supreme Court decision that made it possible for Missouri to open up sports betting legalization, they had already introduced six bills trying to do just that. The state seemed poised to capitalize on this.
However, this momentum died out in 2019. The betting deal was a sweet deal for some, but did not provide a lot of tax revenue. This caused the state legislature to decide to take a seat and think about the best way to handle sports betting legalization. It seems less a quesiton of if and more of when.
2020-2021: Continued Advancement but No Cigar
In 2020, again, six bills to legalize sports betting were introduced. These bills often included integrity fees and league data. Another conflict yet to be resolved among these bills is whether or not to restrict riverboats.
It seems like there is a lot of debate about how to handle the different interest groups in the Show-Me State. Expect the revenue dollars to be a motivation and Missouri to get sports legalization passed over the next few years.
2021-2022: Video Lottery Terminals Derail Sports Betting Efforts
For so long, a lack of support among members of the Senate has been considered the biggest obstacle to gambling expansion in the state. More specifically, repeated filibustering from Senator Denny Hoskins has scuttled Missouri sports gambling hopes on a near-annual basis. The Senator is an avid proponent of including video lottery terminals (VLTs) in any sports betting legislature. Most of his peers, though, don’t like the idea of approving a form of gambling that is especially tough to regulate.
2024-Now: Betting Gets On The Ballot
It took all the major sports teams in the state to pool together, but they've gotten enough support to get sports betting on the November ballot. The teams helped get more than 300,000 signatures — more than enough to meet the voting requirement. Now these same signees, plus other voters, will have to show up in November to get this officially passed through.
Betting on Missouri Sports Teams
The current Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs are the resident NFL team in the state. No other professional teams in the state really have the fanbase that the Chiefs have, and it continues to grow as the Chiefs are becoming a stronger team year after year — a true dynasty!
The Kansas City Royals are one of the Major League Baseball teams in the state and were quite popular in the ’70s and into the ’80s but have lost relevance since then. In recent years, they made it to the World Series and became the topic of conversation again. In 2015, they made it back to the World Series and won their second title in franchise history. Success has been slow in the decade since though.
The St. Louis Cardinals have been around for over 135 years, with 28 playoff appearances, 23 pennants, and 11 World Series victories. They are the oldest team in Missouri by a longshot.
St. Louis also hosts an NHL team, the St. Louis Blues. They too lifted their first ever Stanley Cup Trophy a few years ago, a watershed moment in the franchise's history.
Other Types Of Betting In Missouri
The state does indeed have casinos — 13 by our count. But as we mentioned earlier, they are all on a boat along the river(s). These riverboat casinos can be accessed from St. Louis, Kansas City, and other pockets of the state. Of course, none of those casinos allow for online wagering, strictly in-person.
Missouri also has a state-run lottery. An 18-year-old can enter this Powerball, but the casino’s age limit jumps to 21. Sports betting, if passed, will also be 21.
Finally, DFS (daily fantasy sports) is fully allowed throughout Missouri too. It’s considered a game of skill, not chance, and this doesn’t fall into the same category as sports betting — though we’d argue making sports wagers is quite the skill too.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
Wanted detailed betting guides to other states? We got you! Here's our complete directory:
Responsible Gaming In Missouri
This is really important especially if the betting floodgates get opened in November. Please make sure that you’re gaming responsibly. What do we mean by that? We mean making sure that your betting experience remains fun and controlled — not the complete opposite (reckless and stressful).
There are some things you should do right now to prevent the fun from ever stopping. For starters, setting clear limits for yourself. This translates to deciding on a budget for how much you’re willing to spend (and sticking to it). As soon as you want to pull out more money “just this one time”, you start building bad habits — bad habits that can wreck you if given enough time.
Also when betting, please avoid "chasing losses." You lost money, just let it go. When you get emotional, you start making rash decisions to "get it back" — this too becomes a dangerous habit in the long run.
We’re not here to scare anyone — just offering some friendly advice. Also, if you need some urgent help, we’ve listed some clutch resources below.
Gambling Addiction Support Network (https://www.gamblingaddictionsupport.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.centerforresponsiblegaming.org/)
The Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.gamblinghelponline.org/24-7-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems."
The following resources are specific to Missouri:
Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (https://888betsoff.org)
A 24/7 confidential helpline (1-888-BETSOFF) offering support, treatment referrals, and information for individuals struggling with problem gambling in Missouri.
Missouri Department of Mental Health – Problem Gambling Services (https://dmh.mo.gov)
Provides resources, counseling, and referrals to treatment services for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction in Missouri.
CenterPointe Hospital – Gambling Addiction Treatment (https://centerpointehospital.com)
Offers specialized treatment programs for gambling addiction, including both inpatient and outpatient services for individuals in Missouri.