December marked Missouri’s first month of legal sports betting, and players wasted no time getting in on the action.
Across the state, more than 25 million bets totaling over $543 million were placed, highlighting strong early interest in Missouri sports betting. Despite the record handle, heavy promotional spending left sportsbooks with a net loss for the month.
Record Bets, Big Deductions
During December 2025, Missouri sports betting apps processed more than $543 million in wagers, but large payouts and promotions cut heavily into revenue, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission’s December 2025 Sports Wagering Revenue Detail Report.
Sportsbooks paid out nearly $438 million in winnings, while free-play offers added another $125 million in deductions. Combined with voided and canceled wagers, total deductions reached about $564 million, leaving the state’s sportsbooks with a negative gross revenue of roughly $20.8 million for their first month of legalized sports betting in Missouri.
State Revenue Holds Steady Despite Operator Losses
Even with sportsbooks reporting a net loss for December, Missouri still collected more than $8 million in revenue tied to sports wagering. That total includes roughly $521,000 in wagering taxes and nearly $7.5 million from initial license fees.
State officials called the early results encouraging, noting that heavy promotional deductions are typical during a market’s launch. Regulators also see the strong betting volume as a sign of long-term potential, expecting taxable revenue to grow.
For those interested in sports betting, Missouri sportsbook promotions are still available for new users, and existing players can take advantage of ongoing offers. With a variety of bonuses and incentives on the table, now is a great time to explore the state’s betting options and make the most of Missouri’s growing sportsbook market.
