Missouri Sports Betting Launch Expected to Generate Strong First-Year Handle
Missouri is projected to see a sports betting handle of $3.88 billion in its first year of legal wagering, according to new estimates from independent comparison site BetMissouri.
The state will launch regulated online betting on Dec. 1, with the Missouri Gaming Commission approving operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM for the opening day.
Forecasts from BetMissouri analyst Christopher Boan were built around Missouri's 2025 population estimate and wagering activity in the Maryland sports betting, Indiana sports betting, Massachusetts sports betting, Colorado sports betting, and Tennessee sports betting markets. Those markets averaged slightly above $1.1 billion in handle over their first four months, translating to roughly $279.6 million in monthly activity.
Applying those benchmarks gives the upcoming Missouri sports betting market a projected first-four-month handle of more than $1 billion and a monthly average of about $262.6 million once betting begins. BetMissouri's model also anticipates approximately $65.7 million in wagers during the state's opening week.
Boan said the projections have flaws because other states started under different conditions, such as pandemic-related issues and the lack of retail betting in some areas. Still, the launch of Missouri sportsbook promos coincides with active schedules for major local teams, which could prompt early engagement in wagering.
The St. Louis Blues open at home against the Anaheim Ducks on launch day and play three additional road games within the first week. Kansas City Chiefs supporters will see their team return to Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 7 for a matchup against the Houston Texans, giving football bettors an early-season spotlight game shortly after mobile wagering becomes available.
Missouri casino revenues grow ahead of sports betting debut
The optimistic outlook for sports betting follows a strong October performance from Missouri's riverboat casinos, which reported notable gains ahead of the state's move into online wagering. The Missouri Gaming Commission recorded $164.9 million in casino revenue for the month, a 9% increase from the $151.3 million posted in October last year.
Electronic gaming devices were the primary driver of growth, rising 11% to $143.5 million. Table games declined slightly to $21.4 million, a 3% year-on-year decrease. The positive results came as plans for two new casino developments in the Lake Ozark area progressed, adding further momentum to the sector. The state does not have a legal real-money online casino market.
Of the state's 13 riverboat casinos, 11 reported annual gains. Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville posted the month's most significant improvement, rising 61% from just over $3 million to nearly $4.9 million. The Horseshoe St. Louis and Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Boonville also did well, with revenue up 24% and 20%, respectively.
Only two properties saw drops: Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau fell 6%, and Bally's Kansas City fell 1%. Even though those numbers decreased, the state's overall recovery puts Missouri's casino industry in a strong position as online sports betting prepares to enter the market.
