Missouri has a rich history when it comes to gambling, and today, the state’s laws reflect a balance between regulation and opportunity. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, it's important to understand the legal landscape surrounding gambling in Missouri. This post will break down the key aspects of Missouri's gambling laws , so you can stay informed and make responsible decisions.

Legal Forms of Gambling in Missouri

Missouri allows several forms of gambling, but they are all regulated by the state. The most prominent types of legal gambling include:

1. Riverboat Casinos: Missouri is known for its riverboat casinos, which are one of the most popular forms of legal gambling in the state. These casinos are located on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, although they are no longer required to be operational on moving water. The state has 13 licensed riverboat casinos, and they offer a wide range of games, including slot machines, poker, blackjack, and more.

2. Lottery: The Missouri Lottery was established in 1986 and is another legal form of gambling. The lottery offers various games, including scratch-offs, Powerball, and Mega Millions. Revenue from the lottery is used to fund public education in the state.

3. Charitable Gambling: Non-profit organizations in Missouri can host gambling events such as bingo and raffles, as long as they follow specific rules set by the state. These events are often used as fundraisers for charitable causes.

4. Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting: While Missouri does not currently have any active horse racing tracks, pari-mutuel betting on horse races is legal. However, this form of gambling is not as popular in the state as it is in others.

Online Gambling in Missouri

As of now, online gambling is not explicitly legal in Missouri. The state has not passed any laws that regulate or legalize online casinos, poker, or sports betting. However, Missouri residents can still access offshore gambling sites, though these are not regulated by the state and come with risks. It’s important to note that using unregulated online gambling platforms can lead to potential legal issues, and players have little recourse if they encounter problems.

Sports Betting in Missouri

Sports betting is an area of significant interest in Missouri, especially following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that struck down the federal ban on sports betting. While many states have moved quickly to legalize sports betting, Missouri has been slower to act. As of the time of writing, sports betting is not yet legal in Missouri, but there have been several legislative efforts to change that. Many expect that sports betting will eventually be legalized, but it remains to be seen when that will happen.

Gambling Age in Missouri

The legal gambling age in Missouri depends on the type of gambling. For riverboat casinos, the minimum age is 21. However, for the Missouri Lottery and charitable gambling events, the minimum age is 18. It’s important to adhere to these age restrictions, as violating them can result in legal consequences.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

Missouri takes illegal gambling seriously, and participating in or operating illegal gambling activities can result in significant penalties. This includes fines and potential jail time. The state defines illegal gambling as any form of gambling that is not explicitly authorized by law. This can include unlicensed poker games, unregulated online gambling, and unauthorized sports betting.

Conclusion

Missouri’s gambling laws are designed to regulate the industry while providing opportunities for entertainment and revenue generation. While there are several legal forms of gambling in the state, it’s important to stay informed about the laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues. As the landscape of gambling continues to evolve, particularly with the potential for legalized sports betting, it’s crucial to keep an eye on any changes to Missouri’s gambling laws.

Whether you’re interested in visiting a riverboat casino, playing the lottery, or attending a charitable bingo event, always make sure you’re following the law. Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s essential to do so responsibly and within the bounds of the law.