Missouri is unique in that it is one of six states – the others being Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi – to permit riverboat gambling. These gambling boats allow house games such as blackjack, poker and craps while horse racing and parimutuel wagering are also permitted along with bingo and the state lottery.

Best Betting Sites for Missouri

Gaming Laws in Missouri

Missouri Revised Statures Chapter 313 describes licensed gaming activities as including bingo, the state lottery, horse racing and as well as those occurring on excursion gambling boats. Other gambling activities defined in MRS Chapter 572 as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event” are illegal.

Tribal Casinos

Residents of Missouri have a tribal casino option located near Seneca called Indigo Sky Casino, which was opened by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe in 2012. The Indigo Sky Casino is actually located in Oklahoma on the border between the two states and features a 45,000 square foot gaming floor with more than 1,200 slot machines, a 117-room hotel, RV park and restaurants. The casino also has table games like blackjack and poker plus bingo and off-track betting.

Sports Betting in Missouri

Sports betting is not allowed in the state of Missouri in accordance with MRS Chapter 572 that defines illegal gambling as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event.”  

Online Sportsbooks

Even though there are no sportsbooks available at physical locations or online in the state of Missouri, bettors still have the opportunity to choose from many offshore options. Online sports betting sites are widely considered to be a much safer option than local bookmakers. In addition to having the convenience of placing bets right from a personal computer or mobile device and a variety of options, online bettors can trust reputable and well-reviewed offshore books to always offer lines and pay out, which may not always be the case for local bookies.

Poker and Casino in Missouri

Missouri has 13 riverboat casinos licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission. These riverboat casinos offer house games of chance and skill such as poker, blackjack and craps. Riverboat gambling is permitted on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers with a license per a constitutional amendment ballot initiative passed in 1994.  

Online Poker

Because poker rooms are banned in the state of Missouri outside of riverboat casinos, online games appeal to interested players who must choose to pursue online poker websites in order to participate.

Other Gaming Options in Missouri

Wagering on horse racing is legal in the state of Missouri while bingo games sponsored by charitable organizations are also supported.

Missouri Lottery

The Missouri Lottery started in 1986 with proceeds going to the Missouri State General Revenue Fund. But in 1992 voters passed Amendment 11 that ensured the profits would go solely to fund public education. The Missouri legislature is responsible for allocating these funds on an annual basis between the elementary, secondary and higher education systems. It is estimated that 24 cents of every dollar spent on the lottery benefits the state’s public education programs, which include the scholarship programs and Virtual Schools. The lottery itself is comprised of games ranging from instant-win scratchers to drawings like Powerball.

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