Missouri Sports Betting Launch Successful: Gaming Commission
The launch of legal sports betting in Missouri has been successful and smooth, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Beginning at midnight on Monday, Dec. 1, Missouri became the 39th state with legal and live sports betting. By Tuesday, state officials in Missouri were touting the launch as a success.
“Monday marked the successful and largely uneventful first day of legal sports wagering in Missouri—an important milestone made possible by the constitutional amendment narrowly approved by voters in the last general election,” the commission said in a statement.
The commission praised its rules-writing staff for the “smooth launch.”
“Their dedication ensured that Missouri could implement a fair, secure and responsible sports wagering framework on time and with confidence,” according to the statement.
Elizabeth Hoffman, the commission’s public relations coordinator, told Gambling.com on Tuesday that the financial results from the sports betting launch would not be available until mid-to-late January, when sports betting operators are required to report that information.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the commission is expected to discuss some of the early outcomes of the launch at its scheduled meeting in Jefferson City. The meeting is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. CT.
Fast Facts: First Day Big Bets
Beginning on Monday, bettors in Missouri who are at least 21 years old can legally wager on professional and college sports using a cellphone anywhere in the state. Additionally, sports betting was available at select brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
For details on which apps and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are available right now, and how to sign up, see our list of the best Missouri sportsbooks.
Although financial results are unavailable for the first two days of sports betting in Missouri, some interesting facts have emerged. The following results are from Caesars Sportsbook.
Sports Figures Place First Bets
- Horseshoe St. Louis hosted former St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green for its ceremonial first bet ($100 on his Indiana Hoosiers to win the CFP National Championship).
- Harrah’s Kansas City hosted former Kansas City Chiefs player Christian Okoye for its ceremonial first bet ($100 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl).
First Official Mobile Bet
Largest Bet Won In Missouri On Day 1
- A $15,000 bet on the San Jose Sharks Puck Line of -1.5 (odds +175)
- Win: $26,250
- Total Payout: $41,250
Largest Bets Placed
- $33,000 on the New York Giants +7 (odds: -105)- (Lost)
- $25,000 moneyline parlay (Villanova + Kansas State men’s basketball)- (Lost)
- $20,000 on the Phoenix Suns moneyline live bet- (Won)
What Was Bet On The Most?
On launch day, 50% of the total handle bet in Missouri was on Monday Night Football between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.
Circa's Success
Circa Resort CEO Derek Stevens told Gambling.com on Tuesday that the Las Vegas-based company accepted bets at a significant level on the day legal sports betting began in Missouri.
"The Missouri launch for Circa Sports was above our expectations," Stevens said. "We were excited to see a broad range of sports being wagered and happy about the significant level of three-figure and four-figure bets on opening day."
He added that the first bet Circa Sports accepted in Missouri was a $15 wager on the Blues in regulation.
Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Blues Games
Here are the Kansas City Chiefs' regular-season games available to bettors after legal sports wagering began Dec. 1.
- Week 14 12/7 vs. Houston Texans 8:20 pm NBC (SNF)
- Week 15 12/14 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 1 p.m. CBS
- Week 16 12/21 at Tennessee Titans 1 p.m. CBS
- Week 17 12/25 vs. Denver Broncos 8:15 p.m. Prime Video (TNF)
- Week 18 1/4/ at Las Vegas Raiders TBD TBD
On Dec. 1, Missouri’s NHL team, the St. Louis Blues, hosted the Anaheim Ducks at the Enterprise Center. The Ducks won, 4-1.
The Blues now embark on a three-game road trip before returning home to host the Boston Bruins on Dec. 9.
Betting Resources
- Top NFL Betting Sites
- Top NHL Betting Sites
- Map: Where is Betting Legal in the U.S.?
Missouri Sports Betting Timeline
Below are key dates in the launch of legal sports betting in Missouri.
- Nov. 5, 2024: Missouri voters approve legal sports betting statewide.
- Feb. 2025: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejects the Missouri Gaming Commission's proposed emergency sports wagering rules, which would have launched sports betting as early as June 2025.
- May 15: Sports betting application window opens.
- July 15: Applications for direct mobile licenses are due.
- Aug. 13: Direct mobile license applicants can present their cases to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
- Aug. 15: The commission announces direct mobile license holders.
- Aug. 30: Licensing rules are scheduled to take effect.
- Sept. 12: All other retail and mobile license applications are due.
- Sept. 15: Sports wagering supplier license applications are due to qualify for a temporary license before Dec. 1.
- Oct. 22: Temporary licensesissued.
- Nov. 17: Bettors can deposit fundsin online accounts.
- Dec. 1: Legal sports betting begins.
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