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Missouri Sports Betting: $185M Revenue in 14 Months

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ri-sports-betting-185m-revenue-in-14-months.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 15:12 GMT by CBSSports.com
      Locales: Missouri, UNITED STATES

The Initial Launch & Key Players

The initial rollout saw the launch of several major players, including DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook - the same giants that quickly dominated the early market share. These apps, known for their user-friendly interfaces and extensive betting markets, immediately offered enticing promotions to draw in new customers. Back in 2024, these offers included first-bet refunds (DraftKings), bonus cash (FanDuel), and substantial first-bet matches (BetMGM and Caesars). While those specific initial offers have evolved, the competitive nature of these promotional wars continues to benefit Missouri bettors.

Growth and Revenue Figures

The Missouri Gaming Commission recently released figures indicating that the state has generated over $185 million in sports betting revenue in the first 14 months. This revenue is being allocated to crucial state programs, including education funding, as initially promised by proponents of legalization. Handle - the total amount wagered - has steadily increased month over month, demonstrating growing public acceptance and participation. January 2026 saw a record-breaking handle of $52 million, largely driven by increased activity surrounding the NFL playoffs and the ongoing NBA season.

Popular Betting Trends in Missouri

While traditional sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer remain the most popular betting choices, several emerging trends have become apparent. Mobile betting overwhelmingly dominates, accounting for over 95% of all wagers placed. This highlights the convenience and accessibility that mobile apps provide to Missouri residents. We've also seen a significant increase in "same-game parlays" - complex bets combining multiple outcomes within a single game - indicating a growing sophistication among Missouri bettors. Betting on local teams, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Mizzou Tigers, consistently sees spikes in volume during their respective seasons. Esports betting, while still a relatively small portion of the overall market, is also experiencing growth, appealing to a younger demographic.

Beyond the Big Four: Expanding Betting Options

The initial legalization focused primarily on professional and collegiate sports. However, the Missouri Gaming Commission is currently evaluating proposals to expand betting options to include other events, such as international sports, award shows (like the Oscars), and potentially even political elections. This expansion is expected to further diversify the market and attract a wider range of bettors.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Integration

As the original article mentioned, daily fantasy sports (DFS) were already legal in Missouri prior to the launch of sports betting. The integration of DFS platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel into the sports betting landscape has been seamless, offering users a one-stop shop for all their sports gaming needs. We are seeing increasing crossover between DFS and sports betting players, as users explore different forms of sports engagement.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the overall success, Missouri's sports betting market faces some challenges. One key concern is responsible gambling. The Gaming Commission has implemented measures to promote responsible gaming, including self-exclusion programs and funding for problem gambling resources. Another challenge is competition from neighboring states with more established sports betting markets. Illinois, for example, has a much larger and more mature market.

Looking ahead, the future of sports betting in Missouri appears bright. Continued innovation in betting products, the potential for expanded betting options, and a growing awareness of responsible gambling practices will all contribute to the long-term success of the industry. The Missouri Gaming Commission is also exploring the possibility of allowing betting on in-state collegiate sports, a previously restricted area, which could further boost revenue and engagement. Furthermore, expect to see more sophisticated data analytics and personalized betting experiences offered by the major sportsbooks as they compete for market share. Missouri is solidifying its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving US sports betting landscape.