- Code:
- MO
- Capital:
- Jefferson City
- Size:
- 69,704 sq mi
- Website:
- mo.gov
- Casinos:
- 8
Are you looking for 100% safe and legal casinos in Missouri?
If you are traveling to Missouri and wish to indulge in some secured casinos while you are there, you are in luck as there are so many options available that you can pick and choose from to gamble until your heart’s content.
However, before you do go ahead and learn about these options, it will help to learn a little about the history of gambling in the state as well as familiarizing yourselves with the various rules and regulations. Once you have done so, you will have a greater chance of gaining higher payouts and reward when you gamble in Missouri casinos.
History of gambling in Missouri
Missouri and its neighboring states have a similar history of gambling, the heart of it being extremely conservative. There had been a great amount of unregulated gambling in Missouri all through the 1800’s as well as the 1900’s, and a regulated industry took some time to come in to shape. The first lottery ticket was only sold in 1986 in Missouri, which was two decades later than many other states who were already profiting from the lottery.
However, today there are a number of Missouri Casinos around for you to pick and choose from at your leisure and convenience. The casinos in Missouri are 100% safe, secured and offer a legal gambling environment where those who wish can test their luck.
If you have a hunger for risk and reward, make sure you take a look at our list of handpicked casinos in the state of Missouri. We have done all the hard work for you—showing you all the best casinos that are well worth spending you time (as well as money) at. We urge you to take a look through all the options and then do your own research to see which the best bet is for you in terms of promotions, games and overall experience.
Missouri Gambling Laws
The gambling industry is alive and quite active in the Missouri. There are five types of gambling available to its citizens: riverboat gambling, the state lottery, on-track pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, charitable bingo, charitable raffles and sweepstakes. All others gambling activities that are not licensed by the state are prohibited.
Riverboat Casinos
Only licensed gambling boats and floating facilities are permitted to provide legal card games such as poker, baccarat and blackjack, as well as table games and slots in Missouri. Legalized in 1993, moving boats were the only authorized to run casino games for the next eight years. In 2000, a new law approving gambling in anchored cruised ships was adopted. Today the most popular riverboat casinos are Argosy, Ameristar and Harrah’s. Only one Native American casino authorized in Missouri, the Indigo Sky Casino in Seneca. Players must be 21 years old to participate in all casino games.
Pari-Mutuel
On-track pari-mutuel betting is sanctioned by the Missouri government and is associated with the horse track racing. International and interstate simulcast, known as betting at two or more sites during a horse race broadcast, is permitted, but off-track betting is unlawful. One of the biggest horse racing tracks in the state is the Fairmount Park Race Track, which offers both live racing and simulcast racing. Missouri doesn’t have any dog racing tracks and because of the animal protection groups there is no bright future for greyhound racing here.
Charitable Gaming
Bingo was legalized in Missouri in 1980, and only games sponsored by nonprofit organizations or charitable institutions are legally permitted twice a week. Social bingo games that occur in private residences are allowed as long as there are no monetary rewards involved. Raffles and sweepstakes are legal if they’re sponsored by a tax-exempt charitable institution or a non-profit organization as well. Players as young as 16 years old are allowed to play charitable games.
Lottery
The state has its own state-run lottery that was legalized in 1985. A percentage of the lottery profits are used to assist local education and scholarships. Missouri lottery is prohibited from selling tickets over the internet or mailing tickets across state lines. Anyone is permitted to enter the lottery so long as the he is at least 18 years old.
Poker
There are 107 live poker tables spread across 10 poker rooms in the state, where you can play Limit Holdem, Omaha, Low Ball, 7-Card Stud Razz and many others poker games. Home poker games are available in this state with the only condition – they must hold with the social element, and nobody is ranking from them.
Online Gambling
There are no legal internet gambling operators within Missouri, but the locals are allowed to play at the out-of-state online casinos.
Anyone who engages or promotes illegal gambling in Missouri will be punished: the penalties range from a day to a year of imprisonment and a fine up to $5000.