Missouri now permits mobile sports betting, but only if you use a platform that is licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission and operates under the state’s 2025 mobile‑betting statute. The answer is yes, you can place a wager on your phone, but you must stay within the narrow set of approved operators and bet types that the law expressly allows. As of March 2026, the market is still in its infancy, with three operators—BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel—holding the only legal mobile licenses.
The Legal Framework Behind Missouri’s Mobile Betting
Missouri’s journey to mobile wagering began with House Bill 1215, signed in June 2023, which amended Section 307.1 of the Missouri Revised Statutes to include “mobile interactive wagering” as a permissible activity, provided the operator obtains a license from the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC). The MGC formally released its licensing criteria in September 2024, emphasizing geolocation verification, responsible‑gaming safeguards, and a partnership with a brick‑and‑mortar casino (MGC 2024).
What Changed with the 2025 Amendments
The 2025 amendment, known as “Senate Bill 451,” clarified that mobile bets must be placed on professional and collegiate sports that are already legal for in‑person wagers in the state. It also prohibited mobile wagering on college games involving Missouri teams, a safeguard designed to avoid conflicts of interest (Mo. Stat. §307.1‑2). The bill introduced a 10‑percent state tax on gross gaming revenue from mobile platforms, which is funneled into the state’s education fund.
Current Status of Mobile Betting Platforms
Only three operators have cleared the MGC’s rigorous vetting process:
- BetMGM – partnered with River City Casino.
- DraftKings – partnered with Harrah’s North Kansas City.
- FanDuel – partnered with Harrah’s St. Louis.
Each app must perform real‑time GPS verification to confirm the user is physically located within Missouri’s borders before a wager is accepted. The apps are also required to display responsible‑gaming tools, including self‑exclusion options and wagering limits (MGC 2025).
How to Bet Legally on Your Phone
- Download an approved app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Create an account using a valid Missouri driver’s license or state ID.
- Enable location services; the app will verify you are inside state lines.
- Deposit funds using a linked bank account, credit card, or approved e‑wallet.
- Place bets only on the sports and events listed in the app’s “legal betting menu.”
Any attempt to use a non‑licensed platform, a VPN, or a foreign IP address constitutes illegal gambling under Missouri law and can result in civil penalties (Mo. Stat. §307.1‑4).
Potential Future Changes
Legislators are already debating a bill that would expand mobile betting to include e‑sports and fantasy‑style contests. If passed, the MGC would likely open licensing to additional operators, increasing competition and potentially lowering fees for consumers. Meanwhile, the state continues to monitor problem‑gambling metrics, with the latest report showing a modest 3‑percent increase in self‑exclusion requests since mobile betting launched (MGC 2026).
Is it legal to use a VPN to place bets from outside Missouri?
No. The statutes expressly forbid circumvention of geolocation controls. Using a VPN to appear in‑state while you are physically elsewhere is considered illegal gambling and can lead to fines and account suspension.
Can I bet on college games that feature Missouri teams?
No. Senate Bill 451 prohibits mobile wagers on any college contest involving a Missouri‑based school, even though such bets are allowed in‑person at licensed casinos.
Are there any age restrictions for mobile betting?
Yes. You must be at least 21 years old and provide proof of age when you register. The apps are required to verify identity through a state‑issued ID.
What happens if I exceed my self‑exclusion limits?
The app must immediately lock your account and prevent further wagering. You can contact the MGC’s responsible‑gaming hotline for assistance, and continued attempts to bet will be treated as a violation of state law.
Will winnings be taxed differently because they are earned on a mobile platform?
Winnings are subject to the same state income tax treatment as any other gambling winnings. However, the 10‑percent gross‑revenue tax paid by the operator does not affect your personal tax liability. You must report net winnings on your Missouri state tax return.