Missouri’s Place in the Sports Betting Landscape: A Regional Comparison

Missouri has officially joined the growing list of states that have legalized sports betting. This
move signifies a transformative step for the state, enabling residents to place wagers both
online and in-person, a dramatic shift from previous restrictions.

This new legislation brings promising economic opportunities, including tax revenue for public
services and enhanced fan engagement. As Missouri enters this new era, it’s crucial to examine
its sports betting framework and how it stacks up against its regional neighbors.

Legal Framework and Regulations

Missouri’s sports betting landscape is built on a carefully crafted legal framework that ensures
consumer protection and fair play. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is at the heart of
regulating this new market.

The MGC oversees the entire sports betting ecosystem, ensuring compliance with state laws. It
is tasked with issuing licenses, establishing regulations, and maintaining market integrity to
protect bettors and operators alike.

Missouri offers up to 21 licenses for sports betting, including 13 for casinos, six for professional
sports teams, and two standalone online licenses. The state has set a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue, significantly below the national average of 19%. Revenue generated from this tax is allocated to public education and problem gambling programs.

Eligible Sportsbooks and Market Players

Missouri’s sports betting market is expected to attract several leading sportsbook operators,
providing residents with a wide array of platforms to choose from.

Prominent operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and bet365
are likely contenders for licenses. These platforms are known for offering competitive promotions and user-friendly interfaces, which could boost adoption rates in Missouri.

Missouri’s professional sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals,
are poised to benefit from partnerships with sportsbooks. These collaborations may lead to
branded online betting platforms and retail sportsbooks near stadiums, enhancing the game-
day experience for fans.

Economic Impact on Missouri

Legalizing sports betting promises substantial economic benefits, from increased state revenue
to job creation.

Economic forecasts suggest that Missouri could see $21.8 billion in wagers during the first five
years of legal sports betting. This influx is expected to generate significant tax revenue, funding
public education and problem gambling initiatives.

The sports betting industry is projected to create new job opportunities in various sectors,
including operations, marketing, and technology, further bolstering Missouri’s economy.

Cultural Impact and Fan Engagement

Sports betting legalization is poised to revolutionize the way fans interact with their favorite
teams and events.

Legal betting will bring a new level of excitement to sporting events, fostering a more
interactive and engaging fan culture. Fans can now legally place wagers to deepen their
connection to games.

The MGC has committed to promoting responsible gaming, allocating $5 million annually from
licensing fees and taxes to programs addressing gambling-related issues.

Timeline for Implementation

The path to operationalizing sports betting in Missouri involves multiple steps, with a target
launch date in 2025.

The MGC aims to make sports betting operational by late spring or early summer 2025, ahead
of the constitutional amendment deadline of December 1, 2025.

The process includes drafting regulations, reviewing applications, and ensuring the seamless
launch of retail and online sports betting platforms.

How Residents Are Embracing the Change

Missourians have welcomed the legalization of sports betting with enthusiasm, seeing it as a
way to keep entertainment dollars within the state.

Sports fans across Missouri view this development as a positive step, offering a legal alternative
to betting in neighboring states or unregulated markets.

Local communities anticipate benefits for public services and local economies, driven by
increased consumer spending within the state.

Missouri’s Regional Comparison

Missouri’s sports betting framework reflects the competitive nature of its regional landscape, as
seven of its eight bordering states have already legalized some form of sports wagering.

Kansas and Illinois have been particularly influential, with Kansas offering both retail and online
betting options. GeoComply data shows high geolocation activity near Kansas City, Missouri,
highlighting the migration of bettors across state lines before Missouri’s legalization.

According to BetMissouri.com: “With sports betting legal in seven of its eight bordering states,
Missouri is almost entirely surrounded by states that already allow licensed operators to
operate through brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, online wagering apps, or both. While
GeoComply’s map shows geolocation checks processed all over the state, most of the activity
occurred in its two major metropolitan areas, St. Louis and Kansas City.”

Unlike Kansas, Missouri emphasizes partnerships with local sports teams, potentially setting a
benchmark for enhanced fan engagement through branded platforms that offer the top Missouri sportsbook promos.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Despite the optimistic outlook, Missouri must address several challenges to ensure successful
implementation.

Establishing a robust regulatory framework will be critical to maintaining market fairness and
protecting consumers.

With multiple operators vying for market share, maintaining a competitive yet consumer-
friendly environment will require strategic oversight.

Outlook

The legalization of sports betting marks a transformative moment for Missouri’s economy and
sports culture.

Sustained revenue from sports betting is expected to support public services, particularly
education, contributing to Missouri’s long-term economic stability.

As legal sports betting gains traction, it will likely enhance community engagement and further
solidify Missouri’s standing in the sports betting landscape.