Missouri Online Casino Sites — Best of 2024
Wondering what’s the situation about online gambling in the Show-Me State? To this day, online casinos are not legal in Missouri. However, the state offers plenty of exciting entertainment options. On this page, you’ll find the latest updates on Missouri’s gambling laws, discover legal casino alternatives, and get tips on how to handle taxable winnings like a pro!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn why real-money online casinos are not legal in Missouri.
- Discover the top land-based casinos and sweepstakes casinos in the MO state.
- Explore our future predictions for Missouri online casino gambling.
Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Missouri
Sweepstakes casinos are free-to-play games that imitate real money online casinos. No form of real money gambling takes place, which is why it is legal in Missouri. Check out our guide to the top sweepstakes casinos in the United States to learn more.
For the best options in Missouri, here’s a list of the top five picks:
Online Gambling in Missouri: An Overview
Missouri strictly prohibits online gambling, including real-money casinos and sports betting. Legislative efforts like the 2023 HB 556 and HB 581 bills for sportsbooks have failed to advance online casino legalization. Currently, Missourians seeking gambling options can turn to fun alternatives, such as sweepstakes casinos, lottery, charitable raffles and bingo.
Let’s take a look at each type of gambling’s current situation for MO players:
| Gambling Type | Legal Status | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | No | No regulated real-money online casinos are permitted. | — |
| Online Sports Betting | No | All forms of online sports betting remain prohibited. | — |
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Yes | Offer casino-style games without real-money gambling, providing a legal alternative for residents. | 18 |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | Licensed riverboat casinos operate within the state, offering various gambling options. | 21 |
| Retail Sports Betting | No | Despite legislative efforts, retail sports betting has not been legalized. | — |
| Lottery | Yes | The Missouri Lottery offers various games, including scratch-offs and draw games. | 18 |
| Charitable Gaming | Yes | Bingo and raffles conducted by licensed charitable organizations are permitted. | 16 |
Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Missouri
Missouri has 13 land-based casinos spread across different regions, more precisely riverboat casinos, offering a great deal of entertainment with slot machines and table games.
Here is our TrustnPlay team’s recommendation of the best US land-based casinos accessible for Missourians:
- Argosy Casino in Riverside: 1500 slot machines and 37 table games.
- Century Casino in Cape Girardeau: 800 slot machines, 19 table games, and 4 poker rooms.
- Harrah’s in North Kansas City: 1,800 slots and a few table games.
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Missouri?
Gambling winnings in Missouri are subject to state and federal taxes. A 4% state tax applies to single wins, such as lottery prizes or jackpots. For regular casino winnings over $1,200, the casino operator automatically withholds this tax.
Winners will receive a Form W-2G or Form 1099-MISC from the gambling provider, which shows the amount withheld. This information is then reported on the Missouri income tax form, MO-1040.
Additionally, federal income tax applies to your winnings, with rates ranging from 10% to 37%, depending on your tax filing status.
History of Gambling in Missouri
The early history of gambling in Missouri involved unregulated and unauthorized activities. On record, gambling in Missouri only dates back to the 20th century.
Here’s a quick rundown of the events that led to today’s gambling activities in Missouri:
- 1980: The state approved charitable bingo games due to votes by citizens.
- 1984: Missouri permitted parimutuel betting on horse racing.
- 1986: The first state lottery was introduced, and tickets were sold.
- 1992: Missouri legalized riverboat casinos. However, it was strictly regulated, with a $500 loss limit per player.
- 1993: The Missouri Gambling Commission was created to regulate gambling activities in the state.
- 1994: The state passed a constitutional amendment legalizing games of chance at riverboat casinos.
- 1998: Citizens approved the amendment for riverboat casinos to remain moored.
- 2001: The land-based casinos Mark Twain Casino and Capri Boonville opened.
- 2016: The state legalized daily fantasy sports.
So, What’s Next for Missouri Online Casinos?
Missouri has recently made progress with sports betting, but online casinos remain off the table. In November 2024, Amendment 2 was passed, legalizing both retail and online sports betting, with operations expected to begin by late 2025. However, no legislation has addressed online casinos, leaving this option unavailable for now.
For Missourians eager for casino-style gaming, social and sweepstakes casinos remain the best legal online alternatives. These platforms provide an exciting way to enjoy slots and table games within the state’s legal framework.
Stay tuned for updates as the gambling landscape in Missouri continues to evolve. Meanwhile, we invite you to read our guide on state online casino legislation.
References
- Missouri Gambling Winnings and Taxes — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
- Missouri Sports Betting Legalization Amendment — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Missouri has 13 licensed riverboat casinos offering slots, table games, and poker, providing plenty of options for in-person gaming.
Missourians must be at least 18 to register and play at a sweepstakes casino.
The main risks include playing on unregulated gambling sites, which can lack player protections and lead to potential financial loss or data security issues.