Across the United States, domestic sports betting has become the norm. All but 12 states possess at least some form of sportsbook, be they online, at a retail location, or on tablets and smartphones via sports betting apps.
One state that isn’t including itself in on the fun is Missouri. MO is one of the dreaded 12 states that hasn’t gotten on board the sports betting train, but local professional sports teams are now gearing up to take the fight to Jefferson City.
States Where Sports Betting Isn’t Legal In 2024
- Alabama
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
While there is no legal sports betting in Missouri at this time, locals can venture into bordering states and use their domestic sportsbooks if they meet the local minimum age.
Tennessee permits 18 and older gamblers to bet on sports using mobile sportsbook applications. Players near the TN border only need to drive into the Volunteer State, place a wager on their smartphone, and then go back home.
This is one of many reasons that pro sports franchises in St. Louis and Kansas City are on board with the effort to legalize sports betting in MO. The following teams have united behind the effort to get domestic sportsbooks on the ballots for voters to decide.
Pro Teams That Want Sports Betting In MO
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
- Kansas City Royals (MLB)
- Kansas City Current (Women’s Soccer League)
- St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
- St. Louis Blues (NHL)
- St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
Legalizing sports betting in Missouri would require an amendment to the state constitution. If the initiative is to appear on ballots this November, 180,000 signatures will need to be collected from registered MO voters prior to May 1, 2024.
“We are united in our goal of supporting the legalization of sports wagering in Missouri in a reasonable, safe, and responsible way that is good for our teams, our fans, our Missouri teachers, and our other citizens of Missouri…”
Excerpt From A Statement Issued By Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals
A new legislative group has been formed to pursue the effort to create local MO sportsbooks. Both FanDuel and DraftKings backed the committee with stakes of $250,000 each.
If the initiative is voted on favorably, sports betting will debut by December 1, 2025. Each of Missouri’s thirteen existing casinos would be allowed to open a retail sportsbook under the new law.
St. Louis and Kansas City sportsbooks would be permitted to operate inside each city’s professional stadiums. The minimum age to bet on sports in Missouri would be 21 years old under this initiative.
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