No. Missouri has not legalized sports betting yet.
Lawmakers have proposed several bills over the years, but none have passed both chambers.
The state faces ongoing debates, especially over mobile betting and tax allocation.
With growing pressure from nearby legal markets, the issue remains a hot topic in Missouri politics.
Key facts about gambling in Missouri
How do I gamble in Missouri?
While you can’t legally bet on sports in Missouri, there are still a few ways to gamble within the law.
We’ll walk you through real, legal options, no risky workarounds or offshore sites.
Social sportsbooks in Missouri
Social sportsbooks are legal in Missouri and give fans a free-to-play way to enjoy betting-style games.
Platforms like Fliff let you make picks using virtual coins or sweepstakes entries.
These apps don’t use real money, but they still offer excitement and community features.
They’re a legal, low-risk way to engage with sports predictions.
Other legal gambling options
Missouri allows retail casino gaming at riverboat casinos across the state.
You’ll find table games, slots, and poker rooms at licensed locations.
Daily fantasy sports are also legal, with top providers like DraftKings and FanDuel offering full access.
Charitable bingo and raffles are allowed under regulated conditions, typically hosted by nonprofit groups.
You must be at least 21 years old to gamble at Missouri’s casinos.
For daily fantasy sports, most platforms also require users to be 21, even though the state doesn’t set a specific age.
Social sportsbooks typically follow the same rule, always check each app’s terms before signing up.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, Missouri residents can legally place sports bets by traveling to a state where it’s allowed.
You must be physically located in that state when placing a wager, even on a mobile betting app.
Kansas and Illinois are both nearby and have legal mobile sports betting.
In Kansas, you can download an app, register remotely, and place bets from anywhere in the state.
Illinois also offers full online access, though some apps may require initial in-person signup depending on the online sportsbook.
Crossing state lines just to bet is legal, but betting from Missouri on apps based elsewhere is not.
Always wait until you’ve entered a legal state before logging in and placing your wager.
Betting sites to avoid
With no legal sports betting in Missouri, some people turn to offshore sportsbooks that claim to accept US players.
These sites may look professional, but they aren’t licensed or regulated by any US authority.
That means there’s no protection if something goes wrong, like missing payouts, frozen accounts, or unfair odds.
Many users report major issues when trying to withdraw funds or get support.
⚠️ These offshore sites carry serious risks, including lost money and no legal recourse. Stick with trusted, regulated platforms in legal states only. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in Missouri
Pros
- ✅ Neighboring states show it can be done safely
- ✅ Strong fanbase eager for legal betting options
Cons
- ❌ Political gridlock has stalled multiple betting bills
- ❌ Offshore betting remains the only risky option
Latest sports betting updates in Missouri
The future of sports betting in Missouri
Missouri continues to struggle with passing sports betting legislation, despite growing public and industry support.
Each year brings new bills, but political disagreements—especially around video lottery terminals (VLTs), keep killing momentum.
Some lawmakers insist on bundling sports betting with VLT expansion, which others strongly oppose.
This gridlock has derailed multiple attempts to pass clean betting bills.
At the same time, the state is losing out on revenue as residents travel to Kansas and Illinois to place legal bets.
That pressure may build for next year.
A ballot initiative is already in motion, giving Missouri voters a chance to approve sports betting directly.
If that measure gains traction, legal online sportsbooks could launch in Missouri within the next two years.
We believe legislative action is still possible this year, but if not, the ballot route may finally break the deadlock.
Other types of legal betting in Missouri
While US sports betting sites aren’t legal in Missouri, a few other types of gambling are allowed.
These include casino games, lottery, daily fantasy sports, and charitable events.
Horse racing
Missouri does not have live horse racing tracks, but residents can place pari-mutuel bets online through licensed racebooks like TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing.
These sites let users legally wager on races happening in other states.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Pari-mutuel wagering is only allowed via approved online racebooks, since the state doesn’t offer on-site racing.
Bettors must be 18 or older and within Missouri to access these platforms legally.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Charitable gambling is legal in Missouri under strict regulations.
Nonprofit and religious groups can offer raffles and bingo events, but they must be licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
These games must be conducted in person.
Yes. Social sportsbooks are fully legal and available in Missouri.
These platforms, like Fliff, Betfully, and Chalkboard, use virtual currency or sweepstakes entries instead of real cash.
Because they don’t involve traditional gambling, they’re accessible to users 21 and up.
Many offer rewards or gift card redemptions through sweepstakes models.
They’re a fun, low-risk option for sports fans who want to make picks legally.
How to start betting in Missouri
Some guides may suggest you can place real-money sports bets online in Missouri, but that’s not true.
We only show legal, verified ways to gamble in the state, even if they don’t include sports betting.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks are legal and easy to access in Missouri.
These apps use virtual coins or sweepstakes credits instead of cash.
You can pick games, compete with friends, and earn rewards legally.
Platforms like Fliff, Chalkboard, and Betfully are popular choices, and most are free to use with optional purchases.
Online horse race betting
Online racebooks like TwinSpires, TVG, and FanDuel Racing are legal in Missouri.
You can sign up, deposit, and place bets on horse races from your phone or desktop.
These platforms are licensed and regulated, offering secure transactions and race coverage from around the country.
Charitable gambling
Charitable bingo and raffles are allowed under Missouri law, but only when hosted by approved nonprofits or religious organizations.
These games must happen in person and follow local licensing rules.
Check with your local county office or the Missouri Gaming Commission to find events near you.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you want to bet on sports legally, you’ll need to travel to a state where it’s allowed.
Kansas and Illinois both offer full online sports betting.
You can download apps, register remotely, and place bets once you're physically in those states. It’s legal to travel for this purpose, just don’t place bets from within Missouri.
Social sportsbooks in Missouri
Social sportsbooks are a legal way to enjoy sports betting-style gameplay in Missouri.
These platforms don’t use real money to place bets.
Instead, they offer virtual coins or sweepstakes credits that can sometimes be redeemed for prizes.
1. Fliff

Fliff is a social sportsbook that mimics real betting without using real money.
You can place picks using Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash, which can be earned or bought.
Fliff Cash can be redeemed for real prizes through a sweepstakes model.
It features major sports leagues and same-game pick options.
Top features
Redeemable sweepstakes prizes
Available in all 50 states
NFL, NBA, MLB, and more
In-app social contests
Fast signup and no payment required
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ No risk, rewards possible
- ✅ Fun interface and good variety
Cons
- ❌ Limited betting markets
- ❌ Payouts take time to process
Types of bets in Missouri
Sports betting isn’t legal in Missouri yet, but if that changes, here are the most common types of wagers you’ll find on legal platforms in other states:
Moneyline: A straight bet on which team or player will win. It’s the simplest and most popular bet.
Point spread: You’re betting on the margin of victory. A favorite must win by more than the spread; underdogs can lose within it or win outright.
Over/Under (totals): Bet on whether the combined final score of both teams will go over or under a set number.
Futures: Wagers on events happening later, like who will win the Super Bowl or the MVP. These are usually long-term bets.
Parlays: Combine two or more bets into one. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, but the payout is higher.
Prop bets: Short for “proposition bets,” these focus on individual outcomes, like how many points a player will score or who scores first.
Live betting: Also called in-play betting, this lets you bet while the game is happening. Odds update in real time based on the action.
Frequently asked questions
Responsible gambling in Missouri
Even though sports betting isn’t legal in Missouri, many residents still gamble at casinos or online in other states.
It’s important to treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or cope with stress.
Problem gambling can happen to anyone.
If you feel out of control, support is available.
Missouri offers resources to help individuals and families manage gambling-related issues, and we have our own responsible gambling page too.
Missouri-specific resources
Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling: Website: 888betsoff.org 24/7 Helpline: 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633)
Missouri Department of Mental Health – Gambling Services: Website: dmh.mo.gov. Provides referral and treatment resources statewide
National organizations
National Problem Gambling Helpline: Website: ncpgambling.org 24/7 Support: 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous: Website: gamblersanonymous.org Peer-led recovery meetings and support groups
If you’re chasing losses, hiding your activity, or gambling more than you can afford, it may be time to get help.
You’re not alone, and these groups are here to support your recovery.
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At Sporting Post, we prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and transparency in every piece of content we write.
Our expert team conducts thorough, real-world testing of betting platforms, ensuring reviews and insights are unbiased and reliable from a human perspective.
We adhere to strict ethical standards, maintaining editorial independence and avoiding conflicts of interest, while regularly updating our content to reflect the latest trends and developments.
Our mission is to empower bettors with trustworthy information, backed by rigorous research and a commitment to responsible gambling.
You can trust us to provide clear, concise, and honest advice, helping you make informed betting decisions.
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This process helps ensure that all of our content is as relevant, accurate, and valuable to readers as possible.
Read more here too: How we rank sportsbooks.
References
Contributors
Josh Miller
Author
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.
Bradley Gibbs
Reviewed By
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.