Missouri: Loves Company!
One of the best sports fan bases in the country reside in this state. It’s unfortunate they can’t take this passion and bet on their favorite sports teams. Although it hasn’t happened yet, there is real optimism that legal sports gambling will be in Missouri sooner rather than later.
Kansas City is the biggest city with around 500,000 people. St. Louis is the second biggest with almost 300,000. Both these cities are the hosts of the major professional sports franchises in the state. Those teams are the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. There are also six Division 1 programs with the national brands being Missouri and Saint Louis.
The Show-Me State is routinely known as one of the best atmospheres for sporting events. So far, Missouri hasn’t been able to legalize sports betting. Based on the passion for sports in the state, once it happens, this will be one of the best sportsbook atmospheres in the country.
Yes, gambling is legal in Missouri, however, sports betting is not. There are retail casinos across the state, but no online gambling of any kind is permitted within the state. A push to legalize sports betting has been made by lawmakers. In 2022, a bill was introduced that had support from the state’s casinos and pro sports teams. This bill passed in the House, but ultimately failed in the Senate. 2023 is the earliest a new bill can be introduced.
Daily Fantasy Sports is allowed in the state. Sports fans who would like to legally bet can go to neighboring Illinois, Tennessee, Iowa and Arkansas.