Intro to Missouri Sports Betting: No Legal Bookmakers
In this guide, we will familiarize you with today’s Missouri sports betting legal situation. We will discuss the current laws, discussions, pending legislation, future outlook, previous attempts, and provide you with a brief gambling history of the state. Missouri bookmakers are not yet legal, but the struggle continues.
- This Site Contains:
- Current sports betting laws in Missouri
- Plans for legalization of sports betting in MO
- Past attempts and future outlook
A survey from the National Council of Problem Gambling registers a favorable attitude towards sports wagering in Missouri. According to the study, 19% of residents are already wagering on sports events – 90% of which with friends, family, and colleagues – and only 12% think gambling is immoral.
While the sports-mad Missouri public seems welcoming to the idea, the same obstacles have been stalling efforts on the political end, namely a Republican-controlled senate and house and what seems another ‘grey’ gambling market spiraling out of control. Much work is to be done to make sports betting legal in Missouri, but it’s not completely out of reach.
Current Legal Status of Sports Gambling Missouri
Sports gambling Missouri is illegal at present. The only way to bet on sports is at offshore sites, which unfortunately is also illegal. Missouri bettors have no choice but to wait for the legalization of sports betting to turn into reality. Thankfully, this might happen in 2022 or 2023.
Legal Gambling Activities in Missouri
Until the legalization of online sports betting Missouri, residents can entertain themselves with other permitted gambling activities. The state of Missouri has a healthy and legal riverboat casino industry. Legal are also Daily Fantasy, charitable gaming, and lottery. Multiple lottery games are available, such as Powerball, Mega Millions, scratch cards, and keno.
Daily Fantasy in Missouri
Daily Fantasy is currently the best alternative to legal sports betting Missouri. It’s a game, where players spend a salary budget on players to construct a team of their choice. Then, they earn points according to the performance of the players in the real sports leagues. A paid-entry option for contests is available in Missouri.
Daily Fantasy has been legal in Missouri since 2016. The Missouri Gaming Commission regulates the industry. Currently, two well-known providers run a service geared toward Missouri residents. It collects yearly licensing fees and conducts regular audits to ensure that the operators sustain safety and high standard.
Horse Racing Scene in Missouri
Despite the legal status of horse racing in Missouri since 1984, dwindling interest has spurred lawmakers to take action. Previous laws allowed simulcast betting for days equal to the days live racing is held at a track throughout the year. In 2002, the law changed to allow 360-day simulcast wagering. Live races are currently not held in Missouri.
| Betting Type | Legal | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 Online Sports Betting | No | None |
| 🎰 Online Casinos | No | None |
| ⚾ Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | Missouri Gaming Commission |
| 🏢 Land-Based Casinos | No | None |
| 🏨 Land-Based Sportsbooks | No | None |
| 🃏 Poker Rooms | No | None |
| 🏇 Racetrack Betting | Yes | Missouri Horse Racing Commission |
| 🎫 State-Sponsored Lottery | Yes | Missouri Lottery Commission |
Offshore Betting in Missouri
Offshore websites operate in Missouri, but we advise our readers not to play there, as they are illegal. Playing on an offshore platform can be risky. Bettors risk their personal details being stolen and could get an outright refusal on their winning withdrawal requests. Our best advice is to avoid unregulated online sportsbooks.
Pending Sports Betting Legislation
Bill 1666 is the fifth attempt of Missouri lawmakers to legalize sportsbooks. It was introduced to the House on December 1, 2021 and is currently stuck just after the second-hearing stage. It aims to include the phrase ‘sports wagering’ into the definition of games of skill. Should it succeed, Missouri sports betting will be available on the riverboat sites.
In a report from the beginning of January 2022, several Missouri lawmakers expressed support for the bill and said that they expect it to pass House and Senate judgement. The fact that sports-mad Missouri residents have to travel to other states to wager was one of their principal arguments.
Missouri proponents of sports betting have taken the scattergun approach, with no less than four separate bills having been submitted for consideration. Unfortunately, they all failed at the committee level before receiving a chance to get a hearing in the House of Representatives. The latest bill is the culmination of previous efforts and has the best chance of passing through.
Past Legalization Attempts
Three bills are in contention for the legalization of sports gambling Missouri at present, each of which with different proposals about tax, fees, and gaming details. At least four others have tried but failed. Bill SB 98 even got out of the committee and reached senate level, where it failed to get a vote.
According to some lawmakers, the failure of past bills does not spell out a total rejection of legalization but a request for minor adjustments, especially for fees and taxes. Missouri is surrounded by states that have already approved sports betting. To bite a big piece of cash flow, they need to create a tax-friendly environment.
Discussions about online sports betting Missouri have also touched upon the games that would be legal to bettors. In 2020, three bills were proposed, SB 18, SB 217, and SB 256, but all three were sent back to the drawing board because of disagreements about the details by the committee members.
Current Legal Sports Betting Situation in Missouri
As mentioned previously, there are three bills introduced to the House. Only Bill 1666 has been reviewed and is currently just before a vote after the second hearing. Should it succeed, it will go to the senate. It’s fair to say that there’s still a long way to go, but eventually, state bettors will have their sportsbook Missouri.
- Increased tax revenue
- More jobs in Missouri
- Safer betting environment
- Potential regulatory issues
- Potential for increases in gambling addiction
- Won’t eliminate scam betting sites
The lead sponsor of House Bill 1666 is Rep. Phil Christofanelli. The primary motivation behind the bill is increased tax revenue. We expect the state to generate an additional $400-500 million should sports betting become legalized – money, lawmakers have said, would be reinvested into the state’s education infrastructure and to maintain veterans’ homes.
What are the Chances of the Pending Legislation?
The push is still in its initial stages. A bill is yet to pass both chambers and go to the Governor. There is vigorous support from the local sports clubs, but it seems proponents of sports betting are also overextending with their efforts and are trying to squeeze in other gambling forms in their sports wagering bills.
Missouri sports betting will get legalized. It’s just hard to predict when it’s going to happen. And, perhaps, the state should bide its time, for now. Neighbours are already benefiting from legalized sports betting, but Missouri has not yet revealed its cards. The right legislative conditions could redirect the cash flow from their neighbors back to them.
How would Legal Sports Betting Look Like in Missouri?
The details are yet to be polished, but we expect licensed sportsbooks to pay a yearly fee of between $30,000 and $50,000, and up to $40,000 for renewal. It depends on which sports gambling Missouri bill gets the nod. The proposed regulator is the Missouri Gaming Commission.
The crux of a successful sports-wagering operation in Missouri are the taxes. Lower taxes may attract a decent revenue from gambling tourism. Consensus is fleeting on the right number. Bill 1666 proposes a 6.75% state tax to be added on top of the 24% federal flat rate.
Missouri bettors will be taxed on their winnings. Venues would usually send them a W2-G form with their winnings from the previous year, which bettors would have to send to the IRS with the amount owed. The good news is there is a lower threshold for winnings that exempts bettors from paying taxes.
Final Words on Plans for Sports Wagering Legalization
No procedures have been scheduled for a vote on online sports betting Missouri, so we are following the official sources closely. Once the bill reaches the voting stage, we’ll be able to assess the situation better. What we are convinced of is that sooner or later it will happen.
Online vs Land-Based Betting: What are the differences?
With sports betting legalization knocking on the door, Missouri bettors will be prompted to join one of two camps: online or land-based sportsbooks. Or why not both? The two forms of wagering offer drastically different experiences and differ in the number and nature of betting-aid tools. Below, you’ll find the advantages of online sports betting.
First and foremost, convenience is the standout feature of the online format. You won’t have to spend money on trips to a physical location, and you won’t be restricted by opening hours. A simple internet connection assures 24/7 access to an online sportsbook Missouri – from the comfort of your home.
Sports betting online providers have a larger assortment of international betting markets. Besides the US sports leagues, markets are available on South American, European, and Asian soccer, worldwide tennis and golf tournaments, and rugby competitions. Some even have markets like Esports, politics, and TV shows. This further cements the 24/7 access to the action.
The splendid market variety is complemented by many bonuses. Because of their popularity, accumulator wagers have a lot of boosts and insurances. The welcome bonuses of online operators are also of better value than what you would find at a land-based venue. All this adds up to better financial benefit potential.
Legal sports betting Missouri will also clear the path for instant access to a bigger database of sports information. Many online bookies partner with Stats companies and live-streaming providers to give their punters a 360-degree of the action, improving their decision-making process. And punters have all this at the tips of their fingers whenever they wish.
Online wagering is developing at a faster pace and is overshadowing land-based betting. However, the stare-at-the-screen aspect of it may not be up to everyone’s taste. Old-fashioned bettors still prefer the touch-and-feel atmosphere of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. For them, we’ll list the advantages of good-old land-based wagering below.
The riverboat casinos in Missouri will host sports betting once legalization occurs. This will only add to the intrinsic charm of land-based sports betting venues. Unique atmosphere complemented by food and beverages and the opportunity to chat with fellow bettors is not something you would find with home wagering.
The social factor is one of the main reasons bettors prefer to go to a brick-and-mortar sportsbook. Wagering from home can be counter-productive, especially for the more extroverted bettors. The fatigue from lack of socialization may lead to worse betting decisions. On the contrary, talking with other bettors may lead to better strategy and, ultimately, more wins.
Another pro of land-based gambling stems from the nature of the transactions. While online sports gambling boasts more payment options, including cryptocurrencies and e-wallets, many bettors prefer to bet with cash. They have a point. Cash transactions don’t have any hidden or additional fees, plus they undoubtedly provide more privacy.
Yet another advantage at land-based bookies is that winnings get paid out instantaneously. Punters can claim won bets in cash from the Cashier immediately after the sports event has finished in favor of the prediction. In contrast, online bookies often delay payments by up to 48 hours, depending on the payment method.
As you can see, online and land-based providers differ in a number of ways. Once sports betting receives the approval of lawmakers, Missouri residents will be gifted both wagering formats. Yes, online is better, but this doesn’t mean you should jump on the bandwagon and forget the real thrills.
Missouri punters will have to choose where to wager. Ultimately, the decision will depend on personal preferences. Virtual betting would be ideal for tech-savvy bettors who like a faster information flow, while brick-and-mortar establishments are reserved for extraverted punters with a knack for the traditional betting atmosphere. The fact that riverboat casinos will host this service just makes it better.
Gambling History in Missouri
In order to maintain a safe environment for betting, plans assign the Gaming Commission regulatory powers over Missouri sports betting establishments. The full list of duties of the Commission is yet to be determined and depends on the bill that would be enacted into law. Their principal duties will be to issue licenses, regulate, and investigate incidents.
The PASPA overturning by the Supreme Court in 2018 was a turning point in USA gambling history. It basically released states to decide whether they want to legalize sports betting by themselves. The decision started a wave of sports betting legalizations throughout the country. At the time of writing this, 33 states had already taken the step.
Licensing Information on Online Sports Betting Missouri
Every time a new gambling form is legalized, duties to oversee the new industry are allocated to a specialized government institution – either an existing or new one. Its main duties are to issue and revoke licenses, make sure operators stick to the laws, and deal with disputes and gambling incidents.
If the currently considered bills get the good-to-go, the Gaming Commission will expand its powers to include the sports gambling Missouri sector. Discussions are still ongoing as to what extent the Gaming Commission could intervene in sportsbooks’ internal matters. So far, consenting opinion supports a model that gives more freedom to bookies instead.
Creating and activating the legal devices for control over the industry would be a positive thing for both the state and local bettors. Regulation of the online sports betting Missouri industry will not only bring in more revenue for the state but will give punters the legal protection they currently lack.
Missouri residents are advised to wait it out until the state builds the legal framework for sports betting. The few online sports betting sites operating in Missouri right now are illegal. Punters should avoid them, as the punishment for wagering on the black market can be up to three years in prison.
Blacklisted Sportsbooks in Missouri
About a dozen online bookmakers without a license are accessible from within the borders of Missouri. Although anyone with an internet connection can visit and play there, we strongly advise our readers to stick to legal gambling activities. Below, we share the reasons blacklisted bookmakers can be dangerous.
Unregulated bookies may be scams. They may offer unrealistically high bonuses in return for making a large deposit. They may also reject your requests for withdrawals by citing ambiguous terms and conditions or with no reason at all. Overall, blacklisted sites may use a lot of shady marketing methods to make a profit.
Another reason to avoid them is the lack of legal protection for you, the bettor if a dispute occurs with the bookie. Even if they have a license from an international body, it would be unwise to wager there, as you would have to sue them in courts located outside the USA.
Last but not least, black-market websites may pose a risk to your personal details. If they are operating offshore, they may not abide by data protection laws, and your personal information may end up being sold to a third party. To conclude, we strongly recommend that you stay away from illegal online betting sites in Missouri.
- ⛔️ 1XBet
- ⛔️ Bovada
- ⛔️ BetOnline
- ⛔️ BetDSI
- ⛔️ SportsBetting.ag
- ⛔️ CarbonGaming.ag
- ⛔️ MyBookie
- ⛔️ BetUS
- ⛔️ Xbet
- ⛔️ 22bet
- ⛔️ 5Dimes
In Conclusion: Missouri Sports Betting is Illegal
In this guide, we discussed the progress of the legalization push for sports gambling in Missouri. We described the past attempts and evaluated the chances of the latest bill to turn into law. Be aware that the situation is ongoing. We are heeling the turn of events and will let you know when we learn something new.
Sports betting is still illegal in Missouri but brighter days are just around the corner. Currently, three bills proposing a legal Missouri sports betting industry are filed into the House of Representatives. They have not yet been voted on. The most advanced bill is Bill 1666, which has reached a second hearing.
As an alternative to sports gambling Missouri, state residents can fill the hours with Daily Fantasy, riverboat casino gaming, charitable gaming, and lottery – all of which are legal. Illegal sites, while popular, could be dangerous. If your fingers are itching too hard for sports betting, dive into Daily Fantasy instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
We gather all information on this page from official sources and cross-checked news reports. As the situation is still developing, we’ll be updating this article soon. We hope you built a clear picture of the Missouri sports betting situation. Let us know if you have questions.