While talk of reviving Missouri’s horse racing scene resurfaces every few years, plans for new racetracks have never moved beyond speculation. Despite voter approval for legal online sports betting (set to launch December 1, 2025), horse racing remains in limbo — and the state’s betting landscape continues without any live racing venues or legal horse wagering options.
Legal Reality in 2025
Missouri law technically allows pari-mutuel wagering at licensed facilities, but with no operational racetracks or simulcast venues, there’s nowhere to place a legal bet.
- Online horse race betting platforms such as TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and TVG remain prohibited under current state law.
- The state’s 13 riverboat casinos and two tribal casinos do not offer any horse betting — live or virtual.
- Because Missouri has no live racing, no simulcasting, and no advance-deposit wagering, horseplayers in the Show-Me State are, for now, shut out of legal wagering.
For those waiting on legal Missouri sportsbooks, check out our complete guide to Missouri sports betting and sportsbook promos — including the latest launch updates, promo codes, and top-rated mobile apps expected on December 1, 2025.
Historical Context
Horse racing has deep roots in Missouri. St. Louis hosted races as early as 1769, and more than 20 racetracks operated in the area through the 19th century.
Thoroughbred racing even featured at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and the city’s former MLB team, the St. Louis Browns, once built a racetrack into its stadium grounds.
However, organized wagering was outlawed in 1950, and the final racing venue — Delmar Race Track in north St. Louis — closed in 1911. Since then, all attempts to reintroduce live racing or pari-mutuel betting have failed.
Where Missouri Bettors Can Wager
For those determined to play the ponies, the nearest legal option remains FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing in Collinsville, Illinois — a short drive from St. Louis. Illinois offers full simulcast wagering, live racing, and access to national events like the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup.
Summary:
- ❌ No live racetracks in Missouri
- ❌ No legal online horse betting
- ✅ Legal online sports betting begins December 1, 2025
- 🏇 Nearest legal horse racing options: across the border in Illinois
Missouri Online Horse Betting FAQs
There are currently no legal horse betting options in the Show-Me State.
Missouri does not allow betting on horse racing, so it doesn’t matter how old you are.
Missouri does not have any horse racing tracks. Off-track betting locations (OTBs) are also not allowed.