Missouri Casinos Ready Retail Sportsbooks Ahead of Betting Launch

Missouri will introduce legal sports wagering on Dec. 1, marking the first day that residents can place bets on mobile devices or at casino sportsbooks. The launch follows last year's voter approval and arrives after months of preparation by operators across the state. 

Casinos have reconfigured gaming floors and trained staff in anticipation of significant foot traffic on the opening day of the legal Missouri sports betting market. At Boyd Gaming's Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, a new retail sportsbook has replaced a portion of the gaming floor. 

Senior Vice President and General Manager Doug Lang said the team began planning the layout and guest experience immediately after legalization. He noted that visitors will have access to multiple amenities within the retail sportsbook, creating a more communal environment.

Caesars Digital has also been preparing its Horseshoe Casino in downtown St. Louis. Chief Development Officer Dan Shapiro stated that the company has trained its staff and completed work on a sportsbook that will go live on launch day. He expected customers to use the Caesars Missouri sports betting app and the in-person facility, highlighting the appeal of a shared viewing and wagering space.

The Missouri Gaming Commission opted for a Dec. 1 rollout to ensure compliance and operational readiness. This extended the timeline beyond the mid-summer target earlier suggested by petition organizers, including Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt III. Bettors have been able to set up accounts and take advantage of Missouri sportsbook promos ahead of the launch.

Bettors who previously traveled across the border to the Illinois sports betting market to wager will see a structural difference in charges, as Missouri will not apply a per-bet tax similar to Illinois' 50-cent fee. 

Casinos plan to mark the launch with appearances from former Missouri sports figures, including Tony Gonzalez, Trent Green, and Pat Maroon.

Casino revenues rise ahead of sports betting launch

The upcoming sports betting launch follows a period of strong gambling revenue growth in the state. Missouri casinos generated $164.9 million in October 2025, representing a 9% year-over-year increase, according to figures from the Missouri Gaming Commission. 

Electronic gaming devices accounted for the bulk of the performance, rising 11% to $143.5 million, while revenue from table games dipped 3% to $21.4 million. The state does not have a legal market for real-money online casinos.

Most riverboat casinos reported annual gains, with 11 of the 13 facilities improving on their results from the previous year. Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville recorded the largest increase at 61%. The numbers offer a positive backdrop as operators prepare to integrate sports betting into both mobile platforms and physical casino environments.

Several high-grossing locations, including Ameristar St. Charles, River City Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Ameristar Kansas City, have already partnered with sportsbooks to support retail wagering. Early estimates suggest that Missouri sports betting could generate over $3 billion in its first year. Operators expect more people to come in to play both table games and place bets.

The expansion comes at the same time as two big casino projects have been approved for Lake Ozark, which gives the state's gaming industry even more momentum.