Just a few years ago, the idea of placing a legal bet not just on eSports but on sports in general in Missouri seemed impossible. But fast forward to today, and things have changed drastically.
First of all, sports enthusiasts are happy just because they’ve managed to pass Amendment 2 in November 2024, making sports betting legal in Missouri. But this opened the door for a new player – eSports betting.
The eSports industry has been rising in the past couple of years, and it is safe to say that digital sports have the potential to outgrow traditional sports in the upcoming years. Why? Well, we have the change of generations, and more people are now interested in watching eSports (since they already play the games) than watching a football match.
But, we also have eSports betting, which I don’t know whether you’ve tried it or not, but the action is crazy! There are a lot of unexpected moments, and games are quite unpredictable, which makes the betting process even more fun.
The question is, can Missouri position itself as the next sports betting hub in the Midwest after the approval of sports betting?
Missouri Legalizes Sports Betting
It seems like the hard job is now done. After years of endless debates and multiple failed bills, Missouri finally flipped the switch in November 2024, when voters approved Amendment 2 by the slimmest margins (just 50.05%), so this bill could have also failed.
The move legalized sports betting both online and in-person and put the Missouri Gaming Commission as an authority to oversee and regulate the industry.
They’ve also added a 10% tax to sportsbook operators, and the entire infrastructure should be up and running by December this year.
Fortunately, there are already plenty of sportsbooks that allow you to bet on sports in Missouri. If you are still looking for the best one, maybe you should consider checking the best Missouri sportsbook apps on the link below: youbet.com/youbet/best-missouri-sportsbook-apps/
So, the good thing (at least for sports enthusiasts) is that sports betting is now legal in Missouri. But what about the competitive online gaming industry? Is eSports betting now in the same bill?
Well, it is not specifically mentioned in Amendment 2, which means that it is still in the legal gray zone, but more on that later.
Let’s now focus on how Missouri can become an eSports betting hub over the next couple of years.
Why Esports Betting Could Find a Home in Missouri
Well, there are a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s not all about legislation or location; it’s more about the entire ecosystem.
Missouri has become quite popular in collegiate eSports. Schools like Maryville University and the University of Missouri are all running eSports programs. This means that the eSports niche is getting plenty of attention and talent.
Maryville University, for instance, has won multiple national championships in many games, including League of Legends, and teams consistently rank among the top teams in North America.
So, Missouri certainly has a rock-solid foundation to become an eSports gaming hub, right?
This is the exact infrastructure that was missing in many other Midwestern states. They lacked an engaged and youthful eSports audience, and Missouri can come as a savior.
If we combine this with the recent legalization of sports betting, we have all the ingredients that will help Missouri become a powerhouse in eSports betting.
On top of that, the geographical location also gives them an advantage. It is situated in the heart of the country, well-positioned to serve as a regional base for eSports tournaments. So, there is plenty of good stuff that will make Missouri the leading state in eSports.
Esports Betting Still Faces Regulatory Uncertainty
Despite the optimism, Missouri’s path to becoming an esports betting hub isn’t without obstacles. For starters, esports betting wasn’t specifically named in Amendment 2, which means its inclusion in the broader sports betting rollout will likely depend on how regulators interpret and draft the rules.
But since we have sports betting legalized, this automatically means that eSports betting is also legal, right?
Well, not exactly. In other U.S. states, esports have sometimes been treated separately from traditional sports betting. For example, Nevada has specific provisions for esports events, while New Jersey limits esports wagering unless approved by the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
If Missouri follows a similar path, esports betting may need its own legal clarification or regulatory language.
Another issue is perception. Many lawmakers and stakeholders are still warming up to the idea that competitive video games are not just entertainment but a multi-billion-dollar spectator sport. Until that perception evolves, there may be resistance to prioritizing or even including esports betting in the initial rollout.
Missouri’s Next Steps
If Missouri wants to become the Midwest’s esports betting capital, the work starts now. First, regulators at the Missouri Gaming Commission must be proactive in defining how esports fits into the newly legal sports betting market.
That includes recognizing esports tournaments as legitimate wagering events, approving betting markets, and ensuring data integrity and match-fixing protections are in place.
If all things go well, and eSports betting is included in the same bill, then Missouri definitely has the potential of becoming an eSports hub in North America.
