Missouri Sports Betting May Launch Before World Series According to Official Statement
Missouri Sports Betting Launch Approaches with Anticipation
Missouri residents can look forward to the launch of legal sports betting in the state, scheduled for December 1, 2025 [1][2][3]. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will regulate the new industry, with both online and retail sportsbooks set to operate [1][2][3].
The MGC has been busy drafting detailed sports betting regulations, issuing licenses, performing background checks, and overseeing the launch process [1][2]. As many as 14 to 21 potential sportsbook operators could be approved, including retail casino operators, professional sports teams, and online-only operators [1][2][3].
Key aspects of the sports betting regulations include licensing, eligible professional teams, age restrictions, and taxation [3]. Six casino operators are licensed for retail sportsbooks, with professional sports teams allowed to establish retail sportsbooks within districts near their stadiums [3]. Two additional online-only licenses are available for operators without casino or team partnerships [3].
The legal betting age in Missouri will be 21 years and older [1], and a 10% wagering tax on sports betting revenue will apply, with proceeds supporting education and funding for compulsive gambling prevention [3].
Major sports betting companies, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, financially supported the 2024 legalization effort, spending over $32 million backing Amendment 2 [3]. While licensing decisions are pending with the MGC, these well-known brands are strongly positioned to be among the operators when sportsbooks launch. Missouri law allows them to operate either through partnerships with casinos, professional teams, or via standalone online licenses [3].
Google Ads began accepting advertising for licensed Missouri sports betting operators as of August 15, 2025, enabling pre-launch marketing from licensed operators under strict responsible gaming requirements and age targeting [4][5].
However, discrepancies between projected sportsbook revenue and what is actually forecasted in the state's fiscal budget have raised questions about the actual economic impact of sportsbooks [6]. The fiscal note in House Bill 2 projects less than $1.1 million in sportsbook tax revenue for FY 2026, assuming a summer start date [6].
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has emphasized the importance of transparency and public input in the rulemaking process for Missouri's sportsbook regulations [7]. The public comment period for the proposed regulations will run from March 17, 2025, to at least April 17, 2025 [7]. The MGC will file responses with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) after the public comment period closes [7].
It remains to be seen whether Missouri's sports betting industry will meet its anticipated December 1, 2025, launch date. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins recently stated that emergency rules do not apply in this case [8], and the state's top gaming regulator, Jan Zimmerman, says it is "awfully hopeful" to think it will start in time for the World Series in October [9].
The NFL is popular in Missouri, where the Kansas City Chiefs have won recent Super Bowls and enjoy an enthusiastic fan base [10]. Major League Baseball is also highly popular in Missouri, with the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals as the local teams [11].
[1] Missouri Gaming Commission [2] House Bill 2 [3] Missouri Sports Betting [4] Google Ads Policy Updates [5] Responsible Gambling Requirements [6] Fiscal Note in House Bill 2 [7] Public Comment Period for Missouri's Sportsbook Regulations [8] Emergency Rules Do Not Apply in Missouri [9] World Series Launch Date Uncertain [10] Kansas City Chiefs [11] Missouri Baseball Teams
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will regulate the upcoming sports betting industry, which includes casino-and-gambling operators like DraftKings and FanDuel [3]. With up to 21 potential sportsbook operators [1], Missouri residents may soon engage in news such as sports-betting on their favorite sports, such as sports like football (NFL) or baseball (Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals) [10][11].
