Missouri Sports Betting: Legal Status, Timeline, and What Comes Next
Is Sports Betting Allowed in Missouri?
At the present time, sports betting—both online and in person—is not authorized in Missouri. The state has explored legalization for several years, but despite introducing more than 20 separate sports betting bills, none have made it into law. Backed by major sports franchises, casinos, and prominent sporting leagues, advocates have continued to push for a regulated sports betting market. Disagreements over issues like tax rates and the use of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) have stalled these legislative efforts, yet support remains high.
In September 2024, Missouri confirmed a voter referendum for November 2024 that will let residents decide whether or not to legalize sports betting. This vote could mark a significant shift, potentially bringing lawful and regulated sports wagering to the state.
This article explores the history, legislative journey, and the outlook for sports betting in Missouri.
The Road to Legalization: Missouri’s Sports Betting Timeline
Missouri’s discussion on legal sports betting dates back years, with several legislative attempts since the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the state’s progress toward potential legalization:
Key Events in 2018
- January 29: HB 2320 is introduced by Rep. Bart Korman in anticipation of the Supreme Court ruling on PASPA, paving the way for state-led legalization.
- February 7: Rep. Justin Alferman proposes HB 2406, targeting a 6.25% tax on sports betting revenue.
- February 21: Rep. Dean Plocher and Sen. Denny Hoskins file additional bills, supported by MLB and NBA, calling for a 12% tax and a 1% integrity fee for sports leagues.
- March 13: Senate amends SB 767, allowing casinos to host retail sportsbooks with a $10,000 license application, $5,000 renewal fee, 12% tax, and a 2% administrative fee.
- April 4: House Committee reviews and recommends multiple sports betting bills.
- May 14: The Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, opening states to sports betting.
- May 18: The legislative session ends with no bills passed.
- November 30: Sen. Hoskins reintroduces a modified bill for the 2019 session, proposing a 0.5% levy for maintaining entertainment venues.
- December 10: Rep. Cody Smith submits HB 119, featuring a royalty system to support both major leagues and NCAA programs.
Notable Actions in 2019
- April 15: HB 119 advances to the House for debate post committee review.
- December 1: Sen. Hoskins and Sen. Tom Luetkemeyer submit two new sports betting bills: SB 567 and SB 754.
Developments in 2020
- January 30: Rep. Dan Shaul puts forward HB 2088 to legalize both online and in-person betting, but the COVID-19 pandemic suspends progress.
- December 1: Pre-filing for 2021 session includes SB 18, SB 217, and SB 256 from various senators, keeping the discussion alive.
Efforts in 2021
- February 3: Three separate bills are considered, but SB 98 is not approved on the Senate floor.
- July 22: Sen. Hoskins signals further legislative attempts for 2022, widening the focus to esports, racing, and slots at new locations.
- October 6: Missouri’s professional sports teams and gaming operators unite to advocate for legalized betting.
- October 31: A ballot proposal is filed, focusing on betting for professional (not college) sports.
Key Proposals in 2022
- January 5: HB 1066 is presented by Rep. Phil Christofanelli, with plans for a 6.75% tax and no mandatory league data.
- January 19: Sens. Dan Hegeman and Tom Luetkemeyer echo the professional sports coalition’s proposals with SB 1046 and SB 1061.
- January 27: Sen. Hoskins calls for inclusion of VLT provisions in new bills.
- February 23: The state House discusses HB 2502 and HB 2556, consolidating them for responsible gambling and adjusting proposed taxes.
- March 24: The House passes HB 2502 and HB 2556; both go to the Senate.
- April 28: Filibuster by Sen. Hoskins prevents further progress before the end of session.
- May 4: A standalone betting bill is introduced but doesn’t pass in time.
Legislative Moves in 2023
- January 3: Rep. Dan Houx introduces HB 556; Rep. Christofanelli files HB 581, modeled after 2022 Senate bills.
- February 8: Pro sports players advocate for greater protections after experiencing online harassment.
- February 23: The House and Senate pass bills for online and retail betting, but a separate VLT bill fails.
- May 15: Senate adjourns without acting on the betting bills.
- September 9: Secretary of State confirms four signature petitions proposing legalized sports betting have been filed.
Recent Advances in 2024
- January 4: Two new bills, SB 852 and SB 824, target legal online sports wagering.
- February 14: Missouri blocks over 431,000 attempts to access legal online sportsbooks by residents during the Super Bowl.
- May 2: A coalition delivers enough signatures for the issue to appear on the November ballot.
- August 13: State approves the ballot measure, setting up a decisive vote in November 2024.
Current Legal Landscape for Sports Betting in Missouri
Missouri is on the verge of joining the wave of states with legal sports betting, following persistent support from legislators, major sports teams, and gaming operators. Despite repeated pushes and neighboring states already offering legal sportsbooks, Missourians still lack access to both brick-and-mortar and digital betting within their home state. For now, they must travel across state lines or participate in daily fantasy sports.
Retail Sportsbooks: Current Situation and Prospects
At present, establishing sportsbooks at Missouri casinos or stadiums is not permitted. While bills have proposed frameworks for licensing and regulating land-based sports wagering, none have crossed the finish line. However, if the November 2024 ballot initiative passes, casinos and sports teams could partner with sportsbook operators to open locations at casinos and stadiums, similar to arrangements in neighboring states like Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas.
Online and Mobile Sports Betting Options
Equally, Missouri has yet to permit online or mobile sportsbooks. While 2022’s HB 2502 nearly achieved legalization, and 2024’s SB 852/SB 824 pushed for it again, legislative hurdles have persisted. A successful November 2024 ballot initiative would give the green light for internationally recognized brands to operate in Missouri, bringing mobile sports betting apps and sites to residents who have waited years for an in-state option.
What’s Next for Sports Betting in Missouri?
The state is closer than ever to legalizing sports betting. The November 2024 public vote could finally bring both in-person and digital wagering to Missouri. If passed, casinos and sports teams would be able to forge official partnerships, and residents would have access to the same regulated markets seen across state borders.
With broad support and increasing interest, momentum is likely to carry Missouri into a new era of regulated sports betting—contingent on a favorable outcome at the ballot box.
