Missouri has a fairly long history of legal riverboat casinos in the state. There has been little action in terms of gambling in the state until the regulation of fantasy sports in 2016. 1993 Missouri Gaming Commission founded for the regulation of riverboat casinos. Legal gambling was re-introduced to the state in 1984 when Missouri legalized horse racing and established an official lottery. Riverboat casinos were approved in 1992. Unfortunately, as the casinos gained popularity, the horse racing scene deteriorated. The law does not prohibit residents in any state around the US from accessing “off-shore” gaming sites, but state such as Missouri have outlawed entities from establishing an legal gambling sites within their territory. If you chose to play at one of these services, you can expect a whole range of high-quality gambling options.

• Are Casinos Legal In Ca
• Best Casinos In Missouri
• Map Of Casinos In Missouri
• States Where Casinos Are Legal
• Is Online Betting Legal In Missouri

Missouri is a state defined by its geography. No state is more synonymous with its waterways than the Show Me State. The Mississippi and Missouri rivers define the eastern and a portion of the western borders of the state. Mark Twain, one of Missouri’s most famous residents, took his pen name from a cry often heard on riverboats.

Fittingly, Missouri’s casino scene is entirely based on its rivers. Missourians have the option of playing their favorite games at 13 riverboats along these two waterways. The laws also allow for artificial moats or bodies of water, which has allowed for some rather reaching interpretations of what constitutes a riverboat. However, declining casino revenue in Missouri is causing concern for decision-makers in the state.

One way to change things is by introducing sports betting. Recently, a pair of bills to legalize wagering within state borders were introduced in the state Senate. However, the elephant in the room appears to be who should regulate, the Missouri Lottery Commission or the Missouri Gaming Commission. Lawmakers will also have to determine is the infamous “integrity fee” should be part of any sports wagering bill.

While there are numerous hurdles before any type of bets can be placed, Missourians can be glad the conversations have at least begun.

Sweepstakes casinos in Missouri

Social casino options

All the expected social casino options are available in Missouri. Double Down, Zynga, Slotomania, and Big Fish all operate through Facebook or mobile devices. Missourians can also play the MyVegas app. This allows them to earn actual casino comps at MGM properties. Though no MGM properties exist in Missouri, it’s still nice to have the option to earn real rewards.

Finally, as with all Penn National properties, they offer a free option to try out their slot machines online. This utility is strictly for entertainment. However it can provide players with a sneak preview of the games they’ll find at Argosy or Hollywood casinos.

Online gambling

Like many states, Missouri does not expressly codify whether online gambling is permitted. As such, online gambling exists in a sort of gray area.

Missourians can access some of the offshore sites available (though not all – the Merge network is notably restricted). But because Missouri law is so specific to riverboat gambling, it is a dodgy enterprise to try to use these sites. At any point, the powers that be could decide that the current law covers and prohibits online gambling and crack down on players. Some of the state’s lawmakers have made negative comments toward online gambling, so tread lightly.

Likely online gambling operators

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State casino operator history

Missouri’s first movement into gaming occurred with the legalization of charitable gambling in 1980, which allowed the debut of bingo halls and raffles in the state. Then, in 1986 voters adopted the state lottery with a 70 percent approval rating. Gaming’s popularity was accelerating in the Show Me State, and in 1992 the first gaming law was approved to allow riverboat gambling.

However, this law was eventually struck down by state courts as improper because changes to the notion of “games of chance” could only be done by amending the state constitution. For many ballot initiatives, a loss in court spells the end of the push for the measure. But Missouri remained undaunted and two years later, in 1994, the Missouri Riverboat Gambling Amendment passed a referendum with 54 percent of the vote.

The amendment permitted the legislature to allow operators on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to offer all manner of slot machines, table games, poker, and other games of chance. A subsequent amendment in 1998 allowed for the possibility of creating artificial moats or ponds to support riverboat play. This has created the odd situation of buildings with fake smokestacks and other accoutrements nominally being called riverboats, even though they are not seaworthy in any sense. Often, the water upon which they rest is little more than a shallow pool or pond. Operators have even poked fun at this distinction, going so far (in one case) of proudly filling the moat with an open fire hydrant.

However, the lawmakers in the state have shown no desire to check this sort of hubris. Although some residents are grumbling about this use of a loophole in the birthplace of Mark Twain. Nevertheless, Missouri enjoys the services of 13 riverboat casinos, including locations directly in the middle of its largest cities.

Casino locations

Kansas City, Missouri’s largest, has two casinos within its limits and two more in suburban areas. St. Louis, the second largest, also has two casinos in its city proper and two others not far away. Three of the other properties hug the eastern border of Missouri and allow access to residents of southwestern Illinois (including Springfield), western Kentucky, western Tennessee (including Memphis), and northeastern Arkansas. A final location, Isle of Capri Boonville, resides on the east-west bend of the Missouri River. This location cuts through the waistline of the state and serves central Missourians, including residents of Columbia, Missouri’s fifth largest city.

Most of the main operators in Missouri are known for operating other regional casinos, outside of the typical locales (like Las Vegas or Atlantic City). Pinnacle Entertainment owns and operates the two largest casinos in the state under its Ameristar brand. Its Kansas City location features 140,000 square feet of gaming space, with 2,200 slot machines, 66 table games, and a 16-table poker room. The St. Louis location is only slightly smaller. It has 130,000 square feet of casino to use and its poker room is actually three tables larger. Both Ameristar properties are scheduled to host tournaments on the Heartland Poker Tour. The St. Louis location hosted two events in 2017.

Interestingly enough, it is illegal for someone to identify themselves as a “professional player” in the state of Missouri. The statute defines a professional player as someone who gambles for their livelihood or derives 20 percent or more of their income in any one year of the last five from gambling. This statute might have some implications beyond in-state gambling, too, however, because of the uncertainty associated with a Missouri resident scoring a big win, either at slots, table games, or poker tournaments.

Casino revenue

The 2017 fiscal year disclosure shows an overall reduction in state casino revenues of 2.5 percent from the previous year. Furthermore, the contribution from gambling revenue to education (one of the selling points of legalizing gambling in many states) seems to be no better than the adjustments expected from inflation.

Several education officials in the state chafe at the idea that education in Missouri is tied to the fortunes of the gaming industry, especially since schools are still suffering budget shortfalls. The proliferation of nearby casinos is also hurting the Missouri properties’ bottom lines.

That said, there is no reason to suspect that Missouri casinos are going away. Late in 2016, Inner Circle Investmentsannounced its intention to open a casino and expo center in St. Joseph. While a reduction in revenue did occur in the last year, the pullback followed a 7 percent increase in revenue from 2015 to 2016. So, Missouri’s casino market, 11th largest in the US, should be fine. It will continue to offer options to residents and visitors alike. Below is a list of all the Missouri casinos.

Riverboat casinos in Missouri

*Craps (C), Blackjack (BJ), Roulette (R), Baccarat (B), Poker (P), Slots (S), Mini-Baccarat (MBac), Pai Gow Poker (PGP), Pai Gow Tiles (PGT), Let It Ride (LR), Caribbean Stud Poker (CS), Crazy 4 Poker (C4), 3 Card Poker (3C), 4 Card Poker (4C), Ultimate Texas Hold’em (UTH), High Card Flush (HCF), Mississippi Stud (MS), Texas Hold’em Bonus (THB), Big Six Wheel (B6)

State legal environment

What types of gambling are legal in Missouri?

Missouri offers a wide range of legal gaming options. There is a state lottery. Horse racing is legal both at the track and on mobile devices. Riverboat casinos are available in most major cities. All casino games are legal in Missouri at these properties. There are also charitable gaming and daily fantasy sports contests.

One form of gambling noticeably absent from Missouri is sports betting. The state legislature has tried to legalize it since the US Supreme Court overturned the federal Professional and Amatuer Sports Protection Act. The attempts have been unsuccessful.

This list shows the types of gambling found in Missouri and where to find it:

• Horse racing (live, off-track and mobile)
• Slots, video poker, live poker and table games (riverboat casinos)
• Bingo and raffles (charities)
• Lottery (instant games and lotto at retailers)
• Daily fantasy sports (mobile)

Online Gambling in Missouri

There are two forms of legalized online gambing in Missouri. One is mobile horse racing. TVG and TwinSpires are among the mobile horse betting companies that accept players from New Jersey.

Daily Fantasy sports is permitted and regulated in Missouri. DraftKings, FanDuel and Fantasy Draft accept players from the state.

No other forms of online gambling are legal in Missouri. Offshore poker, casino and sports betting sites that accept players from Missouri are considered to be illegal under Missouri law.

Online Gambling Laws in Missouri

Mobile horse racing is legal in Missouri through approval by the Missouri Horse Racing Commission. This form of simulcast betting is available due to the federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978.

Daily fantasy sports were legalized in Missouri in 2016. It was called the Missouri Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act. The tax rate is 10 percent or $10,000 per year, whichever is lower. Players must be at least 18 years old for both mobile off-track betting and daily fantasy sports contests.

The Missouri Legislature has never approved other forms of online gambling. This makes most forms illegal as all legal gaming must be approved by the state legislature and gaming commission.

Missouri Casinos

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Land-based Casinos in Missouri

There are riverboat casinos throughout Missouri. The games available are typical of a casino. Slots, video poker, live poker and live table games are permitted. Table games include the typical mix, like blackjack, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

Casino Laws in Missouri

Missouri voters legalized riverboat casinos in 1992. It passed by a 62-38 margin. However, it took a constitutional amendment in 1994 to make the games of chance legal. It was the fifth state to permit casino-style gaming commercially. The tax rate is 21%. There is also a $2 admission charge that goes to the state. It is paid for by the casinos. Players must be at least 21 years old.

There are no loss or time limits in Missouri anymore. These were dropped through a 2008 statewide referendum. Previously, players were limited to buying in for $500 every two hours. A players card was required to track this. Each two-hour window was a theoretical riverboat voyage.

Missouri Sports Betting

Best Casinos In Missouri

Sports betting is not legal in Missouri. This includes offshore betting sites.

Sports Betting Laws in Missouri

All forms of commercial sports betting are illegal in Missouri under 572.030. The charge is promoting gambling in the first degree. A person found guilty of participating in a bookmaking scheme is guilty of a felony in the state.

Missouri Poker

Live poker is permitted at licensed casinos through the legislation tied to regulation. There are no bet or pot limits.

<INSERT MISSOURI POKER ROOMS HERE>

Map Of Casinos In Missouri

Poker Laws in Missouri

The 1994 constitutional amendment that legalized casinos created poker rooms. Players must be at least 21 years old.

Home Poker Games

Home poker games and all other forms of social gaming are legal in Missouri. This is permitted through an exclusion for these types of gambling in the definition of Missouri 572.010. The games must be fair. The house cannot take a rake or fee for operating the game. All players must have an equal chance of winning.

Missouri Fantasy Sports

Fantasy sports are legal in Missouri. There are no limitations. Most major daily fantasy sports companies accept players from Missouri. These include FanDuel, DraftKings and Fantasy Draft.

Fantasy Sports Laws in Missouri

Commercial fantasy sports contests are legal to operate in Missouri. The businesses are regulated through the Missouri Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act. Operators pay a fee of 10 percent of gross revenues or $10,000, whichever is less. Fantasy sports players must be at least 18 years old. There are no restrictions on social fantasy sports leagues.

Missouri Lottery

The Missouri Lottery offers four types of games. Instant games are sold in the form of scratch-off tickets. There are lotto drawings. Charities like fraternal and veterans organizations may sell Missouri Lottery pull tabs. There are also keno drawings every four minutes most hours of the day.

Lottery tickets are only sold at retailers. There are no online sales for the Missouri Lottery.

Intrastate Lottery Drawings

• Lotto
• Show Me Cash

States Where Casinos Are Legal

Intrastate Lottery Drawings

• Lucky for Life
• Mega Millions
• Powerball

Missouri Lottery Laws

The Missouri Lottery was approved by voters through Amendment 5 in November 1984. It passed by a 70-30 margin. The first sale was on January 20, 1986. Players must be at least 18 years old.

Missouri Horse Racing Betting

Bets on horse racing are legal in Missouri. This includes live, off-track and mobile. TVG and Twin Spires accept Missouri players. Mobile betting is the only way to wager on horses today in Missouri. There are no open racetracks or off-track betting parlors.

Missouri Horse Racing Laws

Missouri horse racing was approved by voters in 1984 through a constitutional amendment. It expanded to the internet through the federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. Players must be at least 18 years old.

eSports

Betting on eSports through a commercial entity is illegal in Missouri. Social eSports betting is legal.

Traditional Games of Skill

Traditional online games of skill may be played for money in Missouri. This includes mobile apps.

Is Online Betting Legal In Missouri

Skill-based Gaming Machines

Skill-based gaming machines with cash prizes may only be played in a casino. Arcades may offer these games with non-cash prizes.

Missouri Charity Gambling Law

Missouri charitable gaming is permitted through the 1994 constitutional amendment that expanded gambling to casinos. Charitable games may include bingo, pull tabs and raffles. Players must be at least 18 years old.

Missouri Gambling Regulator

• Missouri Gaming Commission (casinos, charities and fantasy sports)