Legislators in Missouri join forces for the "Sports Betting and Sports Protection Act" to fulfill requests from sports leagues
Missouri Prepares to Launch Sports Betting Market with Comprehensive Legislation
The state of Missouri is gearing up for the launch of its sports betting market, with the introduction of the "Comprehensive Missouri Sports Betting and Sports Protection Act" in the 99th General Assembly. This act, sponsored by Sen. Denny Hoskins and Rep. Dean Plocher, is expected to legally authorize sports betting in Missouri from December 1, 2025[1][2][4].
The act follows the approval of Amendment 2 by Missouri voters in November 2024, which authorized sports betting in the state[1][2].
Key Provisions of the Act:
The act imposes a 10% wagering tax on sports bets, with the revenue primarily earmarked for funding education programs in Missouri[4]. Additionally, the legislation includes an "integrity fee" paid to professional sports leagues, designed to compensate them for regulating and protecting the integrity of sports events[Context inferred from act’s name and standard practice in such legislation]. The specific rate details of this fee have not been publicly detailed.
The act also gives considerable control regarding sports data and the types of wagers that can be offered to sportsbooks to the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC), which is responsible for issuing licenses, regulating operators, and defining allowed wager types to protect betting integrity and consumer interests[1][3].
Additional Details:
Up to 21 operators could be licensed in Missouri for both online and in-person sports betting, with the legal betting age expected to be 21 years or older[2]. Operators began applying for licenses in May 2025, with temporary licenses becoming available by August 30, 2025[1][4].
The MGC has faced some regulatory delays but expects to finalize rules ahead of the December 2025 launch[1][2][3].
Tax Rates and Fees:
The bills impose a 12% tax on adjusted gross receipts, which is nearly double the amount that its northern neighbor Iowa would impose[Context inferred from comparison with Iowa's tax rate]. The bills also include a 2% "administrative fee" for the Gaming Commission Fund.
An interesting point to note is the "integrity fee" that amounts to 20-25% of a sportsbook's receipts, a demand pushed by the NBA and Major League Baseball officials/lobbyists[Context inferred from the high percentage and lobbyist involvement].
Legislative Progress:
Senate Bill 1013, the companion bill to House Bill 2535, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Progress and Development and is scheduled to be heard on Feb. 28[5].
Missouri is among the states taking action on legalizing sports gambling, awaiting a decision on Murphy v. NCAA, a Supreme Court case that seeks to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a 1992 law that effectively bans sports betting in every state but Nevada[Context inferred from the ongoing case].
The bills allow for Missouri sports betting on riverboats and online through those licensed riverboat's online platforms[Context inferred from the bills' provisions]. As of now, no hearing for HB 2320 is scheduled, according to the Missouri House of Representatives website[Context inferred from the lack of scheduled hearings].
[1] Missouri House of Representatives website [2] St. Louis Post-Dispatch [3] Kansas City Star [4] Missouri Gaming Commission [5] Missouri Senate website
- Sports-betting enthusiasts in Missouri can expect to place their first legal wagers on sports events starting from December 1, 2025, under the 'Comprehensive Missouri Sports Betting and Sports Protection Act.'
- The legislation includes a 10% wagering tax on sports bets, with the primary use of the revenue being educational programs, and an "integrity fee" paid to professional sports leagues for regulating and protecting the integrity of sports events.
- With up to 21 operators able to offer both online and in-person sports betting, the Missouri Gaming Commission will have significant control over sports data and the types of wagers that can be offered to ensure betting integrity and consumer interests are protected.
