Is Sports Betting Legal In Missouri?

Legal sports betting in Missouri is possible to reach, and thankfully so. Anyone who doubts the fever, ferocity, and great passion that people from Missouri possess need only to tune in for a home game hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals. The sports fandom here is real which means there are plenty of people that want to bet on their games. Lawmakers have tried to legalize their own state-regulated sportsbooks but those efforts have fallen flat. The latest effort comes from MO SB 98 filed in spring of 2021. It would’ve given the state land-based sportsbooks and it’s own online platforms but it failed to pass in time. But, legal options exist.

The most important thing about wagering on sports in Missouri is knowing that it is not against the law as long as you use the appropriate websites. While there have been laws passed through state and federal courts that do prohibit the facilitation of sports betting (which apply to bookies, loan sharks, and essentially anyone who stands to make a profit from sports betting without ever making a wager), no law has ever been passed or interpreted to punish private citizens from mere participation in sports betting. Most of these laws were drafted to punish racketeering or break up organized crime, not to stop an honest MO bettor from wagering some money on the outcome of a sporting event.

Land-Based Sports Betting in Missouri:

The next problem to deal with is finding somewhere in Missouri to make a wager. Knowing that betting in sports is legal can't do you much good if you can never find a place to make a wager, and that unfortunately poses a big problem for Missouri residents who are far away from Las Vegas and cities in surrounding states that have already legalized the pastime. The only real option for sports betting based in the actual state of Missouri would be to find access to an illicitly run sportsbook. This is not recommended for several reasons, not the least of which is the high risk you run to your own personal safety. The other thing to consider is that even though you cannot be prosecuted for using an illicit sports betting service, these illegitimate enterprises are often poor investments that will not offer the best protection for your hard-earned money. And, of course, you’re never going to find a black-market bookie who will give you thousands of lines to wager on each and every day.

Legal Online Sports Betting in Missouri:

Luckily, there is another solution. Many online sportsbooks that accept Missouri residents, but are based overseas, thereby working around all the state and federally imposed laws that prevent land-based betting in Missouri. Unlike their underground counterparts mentioned above, these bookmakers are long-standing, legitimate institutions backed not only by years of positive customer feedback but endorsements from American media giants like CNN and CSNBC. The long track record of customer service from these top online sportsbooks speaks highly of both their legitimacy and the safety to your investment in your account that they can provide you.