Legal online betting is quickly becoming a reality in the United States. Most US states have had legal online horse racing betting for several years now, but more recently we are starting to see individual states legalize additional forms of online betting such as casino games, poker, daily fantasy sports and lotteries.

Before we get into specifics, let's explore the age requirements of gambling in Missouri. If you are going to play online, you have to be at least the age of 21 before you can participate in anything but bingo - this means casino games, poker rooms, and sportsbooks are closed until you hit 21 (kind of like blackjack). The same goes for land-based gambling options. Bingo, the state lottery, horse racing betting, and greyhound betting all require you to only be 18. If you are going to gamble in any way, you have to be of legal age in order to do so. That said, if you use an online gambling site that is located overseas, you only have to be 18 to enjoy the full gamut of their sports betting and casino gaming products.

Missouri Online gambling: No forms of legal online gambling Missouri gambling was late to the market when compared to other states. It didn’t legalize a lottery or racing until 1984. Missouri casinos and charitable gambling were legalized 10 years later. Residents of Missouri will find that online gambling is legal in Missouri because of the lack of laws we had expressed earlier. If you want to safely gamble without fear of arrest, then you may easily do so. Since there is no evidence that online gambling is illegal in Missouri, there is no crime being committed when MO residents play online. Jan 29, 2021 Delaware online poker. Delaware is the smallest US state with legal online poker, though a liquidity-sharing agreement with Nevada does help the numbers. Thee state’s three casinos all operate their own branded skins on a shared 888 Poker network.

Online Gambling Age For Missouri Residents

Before we get into specifics, let's explore the age requirements of gambling in Missouri. If you are going to play online, you have to be at least the age of 21 before you can participate in anything but bingo - this means casino games, poker rooms, and sportsbooks are closed until you hit 21 (kind of like blackjack). The same goes for land-based gambling options. Bingo, the state lottery, horse racing betting, and greyhound betting all require you to only be 18. If you are going to gamble in any way, you have to be of legal age in order to do so. That said, if you use an online gambling site that is located overseas, you only have to be 18 to enjoy the full gamut of their sports betting and casino gaming products.

Missouri Online Gambling Laws

Missouri online gambling laws do not currently exist. More specifically, there has been nothing written into the state laws that says it is a crime to gamble online. With the lack of any law stating that these games are illegal, you do not have to worry about anything other than where to play, how to play, and what kind of luck is on your side. For legal specifics, you can check out all of MO’s laws here, and you can view the gambling section (Chapter 572 and its requisite subsections) here.

As far as current efforts to change Missouri’s laws, there are a bunch of different bills that are being looked at in the state legislature. Most of them agree on one thing, though - legalizing sports betting and regulating it by the state. They’re looking at emulating the Tennessee model of sports betting, bypassing retail locations entirely in favor of online-only wagering on sports. Should any of these bills pass - and there are many of them - Missouri residents will have even more options for sports betting.

Gambling Sites That Accept Missouri Residents

Many types of gambling sites can be found online, covering nearly every form of gambling. You will find some sites that cover all forms of gambling, but for the most part you have casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks. Each of these individually caters to certain types of games and gamers. In the state of Missouri, all of these types of gambling sites are readily available and legal to use, provided that they are based overseas, outside of any federal or MO legal jurisdiction. Having tested these sites with our own bankrolls, we can tell you that there are plenty of options available for you to play. Below, you can find the best Missouri online gambling sites in 2021.

Bovada: Bet It All At Bovada Casino

Bovada has plenty of users that have many different ways they love to place their money on the sports betting site. Sports take a huge portion of that but so does online casino! One of the bigger casino features that many people look over is the live dealer feature. This feature gives you the option to partake in live dealer games like roulette, blackjack, and others. There will be live dealers that you can choose from and place however much you would like. This feature can be where you can earn a lot of money along with other features that online casino has in Bovada. Make sure to not overlook and check out online casino for the cool things that will be there. Go To Bovada!

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BetOnline: One Of The Top Sportsbooks For The Heartland

In the beautiful state of Missouri, residents took an online poll and were asked to identify which betting site was the best overall, and BetOnline was the winner of that poll. You can also be a winner if you join BetOnline. BetOnline is the most trusted and legally responsible betting site in the industry. BetOnline serves all your sports betting needs with just about every league, team, player, and line represented, both nationally and internationally. Becoming a member at BetOnline is super easy and totally free. The only requirement is that you be 18 years old.

BetOnline has the largest amount of deposit options for its members. To make a deposit, simply click on the cashier button at the top of the BetOnline home page. The most popular of these methods is using a credit card or debit card, but there are other options. These include money orders, person-to-person transfers, cashier’s checks, bank wires, Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies (Litecoin, Ethereum, etc.), and many more. Each deposit method also comes with its own minimum and maximum transfer amounts, as well as separate fees and processing speeds. Regardless of the funding method you choose, MO residents who sign up at BetOnline now can receive up to $1000 via the site’s 50% deposit-match welcome bonus. Go To BetOnline!

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Online Casinos That Accept Missouri Residents

Online casinos effectively provide players with the same experience they would find in the live casinos around Missouri. The big difference is that these casinos are online-only, and located outside of the US, meaning that they will not be shut down by the US government and that gamblers in Missouri can use them legally. If you join up with any of these casinos, you will have no trouble building a bankroll, having fun, and winning the money you rightfully deserve. None of these casinos will rip you off, all of them provide fair odds, deposits are generally easy, and payouts are guaranteed.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Missouri Residents

Outside of Nevada, land-based sports betting is nearly impossible to find, though this is slowly changing now that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) has been overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing states to institute their own sports betting laws as they wish.

While sports betting is likely going to arrive in MO in the next year or two, in the meantime, you have a few options. You could turn to an illegal bookmaker, but that’s pretty stupid and usually ends poorly. You can also hoof it across the border to Mississippi where sports betting is legal at land-based venues, but that’s usually going to be inconvenient. Your best option for the foreseeable future is definitely going to be to turn to the Internet in order to play the odds.

If you decide to join up with the sportsbooks we have to show you, you will not actually have to worry about anything other than where to place your bet. Sites like Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, BookMaker, and BetDSI are the best in the business, and they have over 100 years of combined experience serving MO residents.

Online Poker Sites That Accept Missouri Residents

Poker is hugely popular in Missouri, despite a general dearth of dedicated commercial poker rooms. Of course, you don’t have to play in back rooms or drive halfway across the state to find a venue that suits you – instead, you will find that there are plenty of ways to participate in real-money, live-dealer poker – against real competition! – without ever leaving your house.

You will be able to take a seat at the digital felts and participate in any form of poker you could hope for, provided you do so at the top online poker sites for MO residents. These include the usual suspects, with the top sportsbooks listed above (Bovada, SportsBetting, et al.) also having the best poker features, including cash games, big bonuses, easy deposits, and rapid withdrawals.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Missouri Players

If you join up with one of the bingo halls we have to show you, you will not have to do anything other than sit down and play the games, as you will be able to hit the cards and draw the numbers without having to ever leave the comfort of your own home. If you follow our advice, you will be playing with only the most trusted bingo halls out there.

For most users, the bingo hall at Bovada is more than adequate, but for real Missouri bingo mavens, the only site to play at is Downtown Bingo, which is the Internet’s biggest and best all-bingo site. Of course, given that membership is free at both locations, you can always join both to get the unique perks that each has to offer.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Missouri?

Residents of Missouri will find that online gambling is legal in Missouri because of the lack of laws we had expressed earlier. If you want to safely gamble without fear of arrest, then you may easily do so. Since there is no evidence that online gambling is illegal in Missouri, there is no crime being committed when MO residents play online. It really is that simple.

The Missouri government is similar to those in most states in that they have not written any online gambling statutes to date (though again, with the overturning of PASPA as a catalyst, this is certain to change in the future). As such, residents of the state can gamble online without having to worry about breaking any laws. When looking through the MO Revised Statutes, it is clear that online gambling is legal in Missouri, given that there are no laws that state otherwise. You will want to make sure that you only use reputable sites to place wagers on the Internet, of course. As long as you use a legitimate online gambling site, you can safely gamble in the state, whether on horses, sports, bingo, lotteries, or casino games.

Legal online gambling in Missouri is possible at any of the gambling websites that we have reviewed. Though they operate overseas, all of the sites offer US-friendly online gambling. Whether you want to bet on the horses, wager on sports, or play slots, there is a legal online gambling site for you.

Where Can Missouri Residents Gamble Online Safely?

We're glad you asked this question because where you decide to gamble can make all the difference in whether you're being safe or not. For starters, all the sites we list here are safe for Missouri residents to use. All of these sites are not located within in the U.S. and therefore are not subject to the restrictions that the United States has on online gambling sites. And, on top of that, these sites have worked extremely hard to build a reputation that they are not willing to compromise which means they treat every player fairly, offer the options that Missouri gamblers want, and have exceptional service so that you are never left wondering. The only ways you can go wrong is by not being of age as required by the site you choose (usually 18 years old), or choosing some new start-up that might be here today and then gone tomorrow. Avoid that by being of age and using the sites we have provided on this page.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Missouri?

Casinos are the most common type of online gaming option, and you will find that they are legal in the state of Missouri. There are online casinos legal in Missouri, and we are here to show them to our readers. If you want a safe place to gamble, we can also show you this. The laws in Missouri are generally on your side, as the laws have not yet placed a ban on the gambling sites that operate.

What’s more, these sites all operate from overseas, outside of US jurisdiction, so federal laws (and even state laws) never apply to them. Because US and MO laws don’t criminalize the individual for gaming over the Internet, and because these same laws have no control over offshore sites, nobody is breaking any laws in these gaming transactions. The top dedicated casinos available to MO residents over the Internet are Lucky Red, Slots.lv, Aladdin’s Gold, and the High Noon Casino, as well as sportsbook sites and a few others that have carved out a respectable niche for themselves.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Missouri?

Betting on sports can be one of the most profitable forms of gambling. If you want to join this form of game, you will find that MO currently does not yet off land-based sports betting. Fortunately, they have not actually banned online-based sports betting if you use an offshore sportsbook. The top sports betting sites for MO residents are Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, BetDSI, and BookMaker. Most of these sites also offer a full suite of casino gaming and horse racing betting, too.

Is Online Poker Legal In Missouri?

Residents of Missouri can hit the poker tables without ever having to leave home, and this means that you will be able to very easily participate in the games. If you want to participate in any form of poker, you will find that there are a limitless number of options on the Internet. With no law pertaining to online poker at all, you should have no legal ramifications for participating in the games.

Horse Racing Betting Sites That Accept Missouri Residents

Betting on the ponies is much more exciting when you use a quality horse racing betting site. You can wager on your horse to win, place, show, or bet across the board. Straight bets are not the only option, as you can even box exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. Missouri horse enthusiasts can also benefit from bonuses and rebates that are only available to racebook members. One of the top online racebooks currently accepting Missouri residents is SportsBetting, though most of the best sportsbooks in the industry also feature excellent pari-mutuel racebooks as a matter of course. You can bet on the Triple Crown and so much more when you join a horse racing betting site.

Missouri Legal Gambling FAQs

What Are The Deposit Options For Missouri Residents?

Missouri residents can select a deposit option based on banking limits, method of delivery, or processing speed. The most expedient way to fund your gambling account is by using Bitcoin. The Bitcoin deposit limits will range from $10 to $25,000 depending on the site and type of gambling you wish to engage in. Cashiers do not charge deposit fees when you use Bitcoin, and the transactions are typically processed in 5 to 10 minutes. Bitcoin is also the most reliable deposit option because there is no risk of the payment getting declined by a bank or third party processor. Other deposit options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, MoneyGram, cashier’s checks, altcoin cryptocurrencies, money orders, and bank wire transfers.

Does Bovada Offer Mobile Sports Betting?

You can bet on sports from anywhere at any time when you use Bovada’s mobile sports betting platform. The design is very similar to that of the desktop site, save the absence of a few non-essential features. You can still bet on the same sports, place the same wagers, and access the same deposit or withdrawal options. There are still plenty of extra features available on the mobile betting platform such as live betting odds during your favorite games. The best part is that no download is required – just visit Bovada from your iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, or Windows handheld device.

How Long Is A Furlong?

When discussing the Kentucky Derby and other horse races, the word “furlong” will be mentioned at least once through the conversation. A furlong is a unit used to measure distance in horse racing. One furlong is equal to 220 yards. To put that into perspective, the Preakness Stakes is 1 3/16th miles long, which converts to 9.5 furlongs.

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Missouri?

Very few gamblers are criminals. We do not think you should be labeled a criminal solely because you want to play the games available. With Missouri's laws written as they are, no player will ever have to contend with an arrest just for playing these games. As always, contact an attorney if you have any questions about Missouri’s gambling laws that we haven’t been able to answer here.

Missouri didn’t feature any legal forms of gambling until the mid1980s. But
despite their late start, Missouri now offers over a dozen riverboat casinos and
multiple other forms of gambling.

This includes charitable gambling, daily fantasy sports (DFS), horseracing,
poker, and social gambling.

The inclusion of DFS is promising because it’s a form of internet gambling.
But how favorably does Missouri look upon online casinos, poker rooms, and
sports betting sites?

This is one of the biggest questions that we’ll answer while covering
Missouri’s gambling sites and the Missouri gambling laws.

Online Gambling and Missouri Law

Online Casino Missouri

Missouri falls in line with many American states in that they’ve haven’t made
an official ruling on internet gambling.

This puts Missouri in a grey area with regard to online gaming. Moreover,
lots of offshore operators serve the Show-Me State.

But is it legal for these offshore casinos and poker sites to serve
Missourians?

Let’s answer this below and discuss whether or not you risk legal action by
gambling online in this state.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Missouri?

No.

While Missouri doesn’t come right out and ban internet gambling, they have
legal language that could make iGaming illegal.

First off, section 572.010 (4) of Missouri’s criminal code provides a
definition of what constitutes gambling:

“When he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of
chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an
agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event
of a certain outcome.”

The following excerpt from code 572.030.1 (1) could be used against offshore
operators:

“Setting up and operating a gambling device to the extent that more than one
hundred dollars of money is gambled upon or by means of the device in any one
day, or setting up and operating any slot machine.”

Again, the Show-Me State doesn’t have direct language that bans internet
gambling.

But the above laws are broad and imposing enough that one can assume online
gaming is illegal here.

Will I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Missouri?

Assuming that the laws described above make internet gambling illegal in
Missouri, then it’s possible that you could be arrested.

The state constitution offers an unforgiving rule on illegal gambling in code
572.020 (1):

“A person commits the crime of gambling if he knowingly engages in gambling.”

You definitely don’t want to get arrested for being a “professional player,”
which is a class D felony. Here’s the definition of a pro gambler from code
572.010 (9):

“… means a player who engages in gambling for a livelihood or who has derived
at least twenty percent of his income in any one year within the past five years
from acting solely as a player.”

Obviously these are alarming laws. In fact, they might scare you away from
trying to be a poker pro or any other type of professional gambler.

But the key to remember is that Missouri has never arrested anybody for the
simple act of gambling online.

Even if their constitution leans towards internet gambling being illegal, the
precedence over the 2+ decades of iGaming’s existence show that you have very
little chance of being busted.

Will Missouri Legalize Internet Gambling?

Sooner or later, it’s a good bet that every state will legalize online
gaming. But odds are that Missouri won’t be one of the earliest ones.

For starters, Missiouri hasn’t made any serious efforts to regulate the
activity. Beyond daily fantasy sports, the Show-Me State has been dormant on
iGaming talks.

Another damning point is that former Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster
released the following statement about offshore gaming sites:

“Don’t be fooled by assurances from internet gambling operators that it is
legal to play online in Missouri. It is illegal for out of state gambling
operators to offer internet gambling to Missouri residents.”

While Koster’s statement doesn’t reflect the entire State Legislature, it’s
important because he served up until 2017. And we have yet to hear anything
contradicting Koster’s statement and offering support for iGaming.

Is it Safe to Play at Offshore Gambling Sites?

Missouri may not have the friendliest laws towards online gambling. But this
still doesn’t keep offshore companies from operating in their state.

You’ll have access to a wide range of internet casinos, poker rooms, and
sportsbooks in Missouri. Of course, just because these sites are available
doesn’t mean they’re safe.

The biggest problem is that these companies aren’t licensed in the US.
Instead, they’re licensed in offshore jurisdictions that don’t adhere to
American laws.

Here are a few examples of online licensing jurisdictions that serve the US:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Kahnawake Gaming Commission
• Panama

The standards for licensing requirements and oversight vary based on the
jurisdiction. Here are a couple of examples:

• The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has moderately tough licensing
  standards and provides some oversight.
• Panama has light licensing requirements and does little to nothing to
  solve customer disputes with operators.

Ultimately, it’s up to the site itself to act responsibly and serve their
players well. Going further, you can find safe offshore sites by doing some
research.

How do I Pick the Best Online Casinos?

Below are some tips for finding the best iGaming sites:

• Read Several Reviews

The best place to begin your search for a top-quality gaming site is by reading
reviews. Exercise your best judgement when checking out reviews to make sure
that they’re non-biased.

• Research Customer Complaints

What are other players saying about a particular gaming site? No
online casino or poker room will make every player happy. But if you see
repeated complaints about the same topic, you know to stay clear.

• Look at Bonus Terms & Conditions

The amount of money you must wager to cash out your bonus varies
from site to site. If this info isn’t covered in the reviews you’re reading,
visit the site directly and see what’s required to earn your bonus.

• Check Out the Games

The more variety you have, the more entertained you’ll be long term. That said,
check the games section at a casino or poker site to see their selection.

• Try Games Out for Free

You can take things a step further by playing games for free at the site you’re
interested in. You may need to sign up for an account to play, but the good news
is that it’s free to do so.

• Deposit Methods

Offshore gaming sites don’t always have a lot of deposit options. Visit their
cashier/banking section to see what’s on tap so you can play.

Also On This Page

More Gambling Laws in Missouri

• Casino Games (Legal)
• Sports Betting (Illegal)
• Poker (Legal)
• Racing Betting (Legal)
• Lottery (Legal)
• Bingo (Legal)
• Charitable Gaming (Legal)
• Social Gambling (Illegal)

Casinos: Legal

Missouri voters approved brick-and-mortar casinos through a referendum in
1992. The original legislation had harsh stipulations on casino gambling, which
you can see below:

• Only Riverboat casinos are
  allowed.
• Casino trips limited to
  2-hour cruises.
• Players limited to $500 in
  losses per trip.
• Alcohol can’t be offered as
  a comp.

The 2 hour cruise rule was eliminated just four years later through a 1996
amendment.

But the $500 loss limit remained in effect until 2008. Once the $500 limit
was lifted, it helped Missouri’s gambling industry flourish.

The Show-Me State has 13 casinos that offer a combined 19,200 gaming machines
and 460 table games. You can make bets as low as one cent and as high as $5,000
(thanks to 2008 amendment).

Missouri’s largest casino is Kansas City’s Ameristar Casino Hotel, which
features 2,600 gaming machines and 60 table games. St. Charles Ameristar is
almost the exact same size, with just under 2,600 machines and 60 table games.

It’s worth adding that Missouri doesn’t have any federally recognized tribes,
meaning you won’t find tribal casinos here.

Charitable Gambling: Legal

Charity gambling is legal in the Show-Me State, but there are stipulations
that must be followed. Here are the main standards that charity gaming
organizers must meet:

• Only one charity fundraiser
  per week.
• Be an approved and licensed
  charity (i.e. charitable, fraternal, religious, service, veteran).
• No more than 62 rounds per
  charity gambling session.
• Hosting members must have
  been in organization for over 2 years.
• No member can have a felony
  on their record.
• All proceeds go to
  designated cause.

This puts a lot of red tape around the state’s charity gambling. But plenty
of charities have participated in these licensed fundraisers.

In fact, charity bingo alone has sent over $100 million to Missouri’s
educational fund since its inception.

Lottery: Legal

Legalized in 1984, the Missouri Lottery offers a variety of games to players
aged 18 and older. Games offered by the lottery include:

• Check My Tickets
• Club Keno
• Lotto
• Lucky for Life
• Mega Millions
• Pick 3
• Pick 4
• Powerball
• Show Me Cash

Poker: Legal

Missouri features over 100 poker tables throughout the state.

Hollywood Casino St. Louis has the largest poker room with 20 tables.
Ameristar has the second-biggest poker room with 19 tables.

Racing: Legal

Pari-mutuel betting was approved in Missouri in 1984. But laws limit bettors
to simulcast wagering on certain days.

This makes Missouri one of the most-restrictive states when it comes to
pari-mutuel betting.

Social Gambling: Illegal

Another aspect that muddles Missouri’s gambling laws is that of social
gaming.

Based on definitions we covered in the Online Gambling section, it seems like
social gaming would be illegal. After all, we don’t see any exemptions made for
“social” or “private” gambling in the criminal code.

On the other hand, Missouri’s constitution exempts a “player” from several
instances. Also, section 572.010 (8) offers the following excerpt:

“A person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the
other participants therein does not otherwise render material assistance to the
establishment, conduct or operation thereof by performing, without fee or
remuneration, acts directed toward the arrangement or facilitation of the game,
such as inviting persons to play, permitting the use of premises therefor and
supplying cards or other equipment used therein.”

This suggests that social gaming is legal as long as the host isn’t profiting
from a house edge, rake, or selling food/liquor.

Gambling Venues in Missouri

As covered before, Missouri has 13 riverboat casinos. The largest ones
include Ameristar Kansas City, Ameristar St. Charles Casino, and Harrah’s
Casino.

Just like neighboring Illinois and Iowa, Missouri’s casinos must be dockside.

This is limiting because it confines these casinos to the Missouri and
Mississippi Rivers. But the good news is that the Show-Me State got rid of
hampering rules like a $500-daily-loss limit and 2-hour cruises.

Now,Missouri casinos can benefit much more from this lucrative market. You
can see more info on a few of these casinos below.

1) Ameristar Casino Kansas City

3200 North Ameristar Drive, Kansas City, MO 64161

2) Ameristar Casino St. Charles

1 Ameristar Blvd, St Charles, MO 63301

3) Harrah’s Kansas City

1 Riverboat Dr, North Kansas City, MO 64116

4) Hollywood Casino St. Louis

777 Casino Center Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

5) Isle Casino

777 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701

6) Isle of Capri Kansas City

1800 Front St, Kansas City, MO 64120

7) Lady Luck Casino

777 E 3rd St, Caruthersville, MO 63830

8) Mark Twain Casino

104 Pierce St, La Grange, MO 63448

History of Gambling in Missouri

Like other states along the Mississippi River, Missouri has a history of
riverboat gambling. Nevertheless, they didn’t take any action towards legalized
gambling until 1984 – when they approved a lottery.

By 1992, they legalized riverboat casinos, becoming one of the first
Midwestern states to offer casino gambling. Since then, the Show-Me State has
seen its casino industry become more and more significant over the years.

Unfortunately, Missouri’s history doesn’t include much discussion on internet
gambling. In fact, they’ve actually taken legal action against iGaming
operators.

This makes us wonder how long it will be before they seriously consider
regulating the activity.

The good news, though, is that they’ve made some progress by legalizing daily
fantasy sports. Let’s look at this gambling milestone and others in Missouri’s
history below.

Voters approve constitutional change that allows for a lottery and the Missouri State Lottery Commission.

Missouri begins holding horse races at the state fair.

Voters approve constitutional amendment for raffles.

Missouri voters are in favor of constitutional amendment that allows riverboat casinos. The Missouri Gaming Commission is created the same year.

Casinos successfully push for baccarat, blackjack, poker, roulette, and slot machines.

State takes legal action against Pennsylvania’s Interactive Gaming & Communications for selling online lottery tickets.

Missouri takes legal action against California’s Marc Meghrouni and Scott Shaver for running an offshore casino and serving Missourians.

Voters approve Proposition A, which raises gambling tax rate, limits the number of casinos, bans casino loss limits and sees educational fund created out of gambling taxes.

US Attorney’s Office in Western Missouri indicts online gaming operators.

State legalizes and regulates daily fantasy sports.

Missouri FAQs

Missouri doesn’t have the clearest laws on internet gambling. We’re convinced
that they deem the activity legal, but they’ve never arrested anybody for
gambling online.

In any case, this presents a number of questions for those interested in
playing online casino games and poker in Missouri. Let’s cover some of the
most-common questions below.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Illinois

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Missouri?

Yes.

Governor Jay Nixon helped draft the state’s daily fantasy sports legislation.
This is the first time that a sitting governor actually helped write a DFS bill.

Some worried that the legislation wouldn’t pass the State House. But it did
in May 2016, then moved to Nixon’s desk for a final signature the following
month.

Stipulations of Missouri’s DFS bill include:

• Missouri Gaming Commission governs the state’s DFS industry.
• Operators pay an annual licensing fee worth $10,000, or 10% of their net revenue if this amount is less.
• Operators must pay a one-time $50,000 fee for the MGC to investigate their business.
• 11.5% tax rate, which is higher than other states.
• No DFS for collegiate sports.
• High-volume players are labeled on their profile photo.

It’s great that Missouri has taken the steps to legalize DFS. But we wish
that they would take the same initiative with online gambling in general because
this could also make the state a lot of money.

Has Missouri Ever Busted Online Gambling Sites?

Yes, but the operators were living on US soil in both cases.

In 1997, the Missouri Attorney General filed a civil injunction against the
Pennsylvania-based Interactive Gaming & Communications. The AG charged that
Interactive Gaming was selling online lottery tickets to Missourians.

The owners pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and were ordered to pay a
$27,500 fine to Missouri.

In 2000, the state indicted Marc Meghrouni and Scott Shaver, who owned the
Curacao-based Paradise Casino.

The California natives pleaded guilty to tax fraud, money laundering, and
violating the Wager Wire Act. Shaver and Meghrouni agreed to forfeit a $1
million condo in Orange County and a Lamborghini as part of the settlement.

As you can see, the Show-Me State isn’t afraid to prosecute online gambling
sites. But in both cases, these companies were based in America.

That said, we don’t see them pursuing any offshore sites where the owners
live outside the US.

Is It Illegal to Gamble on My Smartphone?

Missouri has a broad definition of gambling devices that covers lots of
ground. Here’s how code 572.010 (5) describes a gambling device:

“…means any device, machine, paraphernalia or equipment that is used or
usable in the playing phases of any gambling activity, whether that activity
consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person with a machine.”

The first part of this can cover a smartphone, tablet, or computer. And if
Missouri really wanted to make a case out of a smartphone gambler, they could
through section 572.010 (5).

But there’s almost no chance of this happening.

As discussed before, Missouri has never taken legal action against an online
gambler. And until they legalize the activity, we don’t see this happening in
the near future.

Why doesn’t Missouri Legalize Online Gaming?

So far, the only states that have legalized and regulated internet gambling
include Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.

Nevada and New Jersey legalized the activity because they’re both big casino
destinations that wanted to be at the iGaming forefront. Delaware is also a
fairly large gaming destination for its size (945.6k residents), given that they
have 3 racinos.

Missouri is located near states that have legalized DFS, so it makes sense
that they’ve done the same. But Illinois and Iowa are the only neighbors that
have seriously considered online gambling legislation – but neither have
legalized the activity.

With no local peers regulating iGaming and no serious pushes in Missouri, we
don’t see them legalizing internet gambling for a long time.

Additional Resources

Here’s a look at more resources that you can use to learn about Missouri’s
gambling laws, as well as other topics pertaining to the matter.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Missouri State

The MGC enforces gambling laws and oversees the state’s gaming industry.
Their website offers FAQs and laws on social and charitable gaming.

This page shows all of the updates to Missouri’s gambling codes. You’ll find
a helpful search tool here that allows you to look up different topics.

The Missouri Lottery Commission handles all 9 lottery games for the state and
makes payouts to winners.

The Future & Your Views

Missouri isn’t anywhere close to legalizing and regulating online gambling.
In fact, their laws and previous legal actions against operators suggest that
they frown upon the activity.

But the good news is that they don’t seem to care about their residents
playing online casino games and poker. We can’t find one arrest record for an
online gambler in the state.

Missouri is enthused about daily fantasy sports, becoming the sixth state to
legalize the activity in 2016.

We wish they’d share the same enthusiasm about online gambling as a whole,
but at least they’ve legalized one form of iGaming.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Missouri Today

Unfortunately, it’ll be years before Missouri regulates internet gambling. No
serious discussions have taken place on the matter, and no neighboring states
have legalized the activity.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Missouri

Maybe if Illinois or Iowa regulates iGaming, the dominoes will start to fall
into place in the Midwest. But until then, Missouri remains a grey area filled
with offshore gaming sites.