Missouri’s journey to legalize sports betting culminated in a highly anticipated launch on December 1, 2025, following nearly 13 months of regulatory preparation. The rollout featured eight major online sportsbooks, including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars, with a smooth, glitch-free debut praised by regulators. Early betting activity surged, particularly on Kansas City Chiefs futures, and the state’s lighter tax burden and competitive regulations positioned Missouri to attract both residents and out-of-state bettors. The launch also included robust responsible gambling measures such as age verification and self-exclusion options.
Leading up to the launch, Missouri saw significant industry partnerships and licensing developments. Notable collaborations included DraftKings with the St. Louis Blues and bet365 with the St. Louis Cardinals, while Underdog withdrew from the sportsbook market to focus on prediction markets. The state issued temporary licenses to several operators and prepared for a market projected to generate nearly $4 billion in handle and over $50 million in tax revenue in its first year. Despite some delays and regulatory hurdles earlier in 2025, Missouri successfully established a regulated sports betting environment, marking a major milestone for the Show-Me State’s gambling industry.
