Missouri is the 39th US state to launch legal sports betting after eight licensed operators opened online and retail sportsbooks on Monday.
Underdog was a late withdrawal from the list of licensees after it decided to focus on sports prediction markets. PENN Entertainment also adjusted its plans after terminating its deal to operate ESPN Bet, opting to operate under theScore Bet brand.
Sportsbooks held a variety of ceremonies to mark the occasion in the Show-Me State. DraftKings, most notably, had Hall of Fame football players like Tony Gonzalez and Isaac Bruce place ceremonial bets.
lawmakers hope the sector will generate more than $100m in tax revenue across the first five years
With a population of over six million people and several major sports teams, Missouri lawmakers hope the sector will generate more than $100m in tax revenue across the first five years. It’s the biggest state to launch sports betting since North Carolina in March 2024.
Legalization only became a reality in November 2024 when the public approved Missouri Amendment 2 by fewer than 3,000 votes. Locals no longer need to go across state lines to legally place sports bets.
