Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular around the country, but it remains illegal in Missouri for the time being.

Is there any good news? A sports betting measure is expected to be debated by state lawmakers in 2019, and many Missourians believe that legal sports wagering will be implemented in the state within the next few years.

Sports gambling was never a part of Missouri’s distinctive gaming heritage. There has been a huge shift in how people in Missouri see sports betting since the Supreme Court’s decision in May, which we’ll discuss further down the page.

Riverboat casinos may include sportsbooks, making real money gambling available to online gamblers, thus opening the door to what is sure to be a significant moneymaker for Missouri.

Fans of sports in Missouri may now be hoping that they will soon be able to legally gamble on sports.

As you read this guide, we’ll conduct a deep dive into whether or not sports betting is allowed in Missouri. It is our goal to learn as much as we can about the current initiatives to legalize traditional and online sportsbooks in the jurisdiction.

The situation of Online Sports Betting in Missouri at the Moment

The state lottery, Thirteen traditional casinos, bingo, and riverboat gambling are all legal in Missouri. While they offer a range of table games, however neither casinos nor the seagoing vessels can run a sportsbook since sports betting is still prohibited in Missouri.

However, following a Supreme Court ruling in May 2018, things changed in Missouri and across the United States. The ruling lifted a 26-year-old constitutional prohibition on sports betting in all jurisdictions other than Nevada.

When the state of New Jersey contested the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), they hoped to revive the Atlantic City gaming industry. New Jersey was among the first states to legalize sports betting after winning a lawsuit.

Even though PASPA was overturned, several other states are also considering the legalization of sports betting. Four sports betting measures are now being debated in the Missouri House, while two more are being debated in the Senate. If enacted, the proposals would allow riverboat casinos and internet sports betting.

Missouri is far ahead of the majority of states, even if it isn’t in the lead. Keep reading for a deeper look at the state’s federal laws and some of the chatter we’re getting from legislative leaders and officials. You can also read what other people have to say on websites like Reddit if you want to learn more.

How to find a sports betting site in Missouri

As mentioned above, online sports betting websites are a gray area in the state of Missouri. Fortunately, there are still ways one can place a bet in the state. This is made possible because of the service offered by offshore sportsbooks. Since these overseas firms are based in countries where sports betting is legal, you won’t get fined if you use their websites to place bets. These offshore bookies are usually found in That being said, you should still take some time to conduct some research about how these firms work. Alternatively, you can check out this comprehensive guide regarding the best licensed and regulated sports betting providers in Missouri, covering the betting sites available,explain what they offer to players and what makes them stand out as having a solid service.

Online Sports Betting:  Missouri’s History

Even though other forms of gambling are permitted in Missouri, sports betting has always been forbidden.

In the 18th century, there was a robust riverboat gaming business. Once this ended, there was a long time without any legal gambling in the state of Missouri.

There were no racetracks in Missouri, therefore pari-mutuel wagering on horses was only possible during special events that featured races.

Let’s fast forward to 1980 when the state of Missouri legalized the charity use of bingo and raffles. The first legal lottery was held in the state in 1986. In the long run, this would pave the way for the expansion of gambling in the state.

Riverboat gambling became permitted in Missouri in 1993, the same year that the federal government approved PASPA, which outlawed it. First, riverfront bookies had to be operating under the law. Legislators had to reconsider this method because of worries about safety, and as a result, all 16 of the state’s casinos have been permanently suspended.

Gamblers had a $500 cap on their losses, but that was eliminated in a 2008 vote, which also raised taxation on casinos in the state. Missouri’s riverfront casino bookies will play a major role in the state’s future implementation of regulated sports betting.

What are the chances of legalizing online sports betting in Missouri?

The future of legalized online sports betting in Missouri is something we can’t predict with any certainty, but we’re optimistic nevertheless. Even better, we have reason to believe it will be very soon.

Too much foundation has been built, too many powerful politicians have expressed optimism about sports betting, and a lot of money is at stake for this to not occur.