Missouri Gambling Laws – Casinos and Riverboats
Missouri is known for its conservative approach to gambling! Legalization is moving fast these days, and online play is one of the few remaining gray areas. If you feel curious about the peculiar Missouri gambling laws, proceed further with our article!
Whar Are the Gambling Laws in Missouri?
Missouri has beneficial laws about gambling in almost every aspect! Although the state’s legislators have been too cautious until recently, today, enthusiasts have more than a few establishments to explore. Missouri is home to some of the finest casinos in the Midwest region!
>Worried about the potential attraction of criminal entities, lawmakers passed laws in favor of gambling but did not create the necessary infrastructure. Furthermore, strange regulations were voted on, and construction documents were delayed. Find out more in the following paragraphs!
History of Gambling in Missouri
The first act of regulation of any form of gambling in Missouri occurred in 1980. Charitable bingo was introduced, and only four years later, horse race betting was also legalized. A mass vote was organized in 1992 in order to approve or ban land-based casinos. An alternative decision was taken and riverboat casinos became legal.
The Gaming Commission was established in 1993 to serve as the authority to enforce the new Missouri gambling laws. Four riverboat casinos were launched shortly, and today, the state has 13, offering a wide variety of slots and table games. In 2021, the MGC received the right to change the “floating facility” definition!
The Floating Facility Rule
The original idea of Missouri legislators was to keep gambling away from the MO shores. Licenses were given to business owners willing and capable of organizing riverboat casinos and cover the “floating facility” term. Originally, they had to dock the barges every two hours to allow off- and on-boarding.
However, in 2021 the Missouri Gaming Commission changed the meaning of the term. Each standard building could be licensed if it has a container beneath holding 2,000 or more gallons of water. As of today, all 13 (the license limit remained) companies are operating non-floating facilities.
Casino Resorts
Sometime in the late 20th century, the Gaming Commission decided to limit the number of casino licenses in Missouri to 13. Naturally, the quota was quickly occupied, and some of the biggest brands came to the Midwest. St. Louis and Kansas City and the nearby territories are the two large gambling centers in the state.
Here are all 13 land-based casinos in Missouri:
- Ameristar Casino Hotel – Kansas City
- Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa – Kansas City
- Casino KC – Kansas City
- Isle of Capri Casino – Boonville
- Harrah’s Hotel & Casino – Kansas City
- St. Jo Frontier Casino – St. Joseph
- Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles – St. Louis
- Hollywood Casino – St. Louis
- Lumiere Place – St. Louis
- River City Casino & Hotel – St. Louis
- Century Casino – Caruthersville
- Century Casino Girardeau – Cape Girardeau
- Mark Twain Casino – La Grange
These former casino riverboats provide a wide variety of games, including slot machines. Most operate 24/7, and you need to be 21+ years old to gamble.
Sports Betting Status
Pari-mutuel wagering on horses and off-track betting is legal in Missouri. However, there are но facilities or tracks on the state’s territory. At the same time, online and offline sports betting are illegal! According to the latest news, House Bill 2502 presented in January failed to pass.
This was another successful attempt at sports betting legalization for the second consecutive year. The hopes of supporters are starting to fade as another session is unlikely to be launched anytime soon. The only legal alternative remains the Daily Fantasy Sports and online apps, like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo.
Online Gambling in Missouri
The current Missouri gambling laws prohibit online gambling in all of its forms. Although offshore companies offer their services, using their apps could be dangerous as they operate unchecked and unregulated. Residents of Missouri can access several social casino sites and enjoy free slots, scratches, table games, and tournaments.
If the legislation changes, many US brands are ready to step in! Most of them are backed by land-based establishments across the country. One of the brands is presented in Missouri as well – Hollywood Casino. Follow the link to get acquainted with all the best online casinos in the USA waiting to enter the MO gambling market.
Frequently Asked Questions
The last part of this article is the FAQ section. Check the dedicated replies of our editors to commonly asked questions. We’ll keep tracking the changes in the Missouri gambling legislation and update this page regularly. Feel free to send us inquiries on this or other topics.
1️⃣ Is gambling legal in Missouri?
Casino-style games are legal according to the Missouri gambling laws. The available games include slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and lotteries. The former riverboats facilities work around the clock and provide excellent amenities. A total of 13 land-based gaming establishments are open to residents and visitors of the state.
2️⃣ Can I gamble online from Missouri?
Unfortunately, online gambling is illegal in Missouri. Indeed, it's a kind of a grey area because many foreign operators offer their services to punters from the state. The legislation does not provide for penalties, but no one protects your interests either. Our advice is to refrain from playing online when the legislation prohibits it.
3️⃣ What are the best MO casino resorts?
Missouri is home to 13 riverboat casinos. The Ameristar Casino in Kansas City is a Boyd Gaming-operated location and enjoys a good reputation. Hollywood Casino in St. Louis is our second pick. Among all of the Missouri casino resorts, those stand out with excellent game selections and many amenities.
4️⃣ Are there any special gambling restrictions in the state?
Until recently, the Missouri gambling laws prohibited any casino activity outside the floating casino facilities. Riverboats were the only places where enthusiasts could play games of chance for real money. However, the MGC changed the meaning of the term, and now, standard buildings can receive a "floating facility" status.
5️⃣ Is sports betting legal in Missour?
Wagering on horse races is legal, but sports betting is still prohibited. A couple of attempts were made for progress in that direction in 2021 and 2022, but both Bills failed. Another try is possible in 2023, but it seems legislators aren't willing to give a green light. The only legal option in Missouri is off-track and on-track betting.