Can You Play Online Poker in Missouri?

No. You cannot play poker online in Missouri. Although there’s a state lottery board that regulates gambling of any form in the State, the board has not granted permits to any online poker rooms to operate. You can play poker and other regulated gambling activities in person in any of the state’s 13 riverboat casinos, but Missouri online poker remains illegal.

Why Not? What Are the Online Poker Laws in Missouri?

Missouri has not passed a law that permits online poker rooms to operate within the state. Online poker is classified as a form of gambling that is considered an unlawful activity according to Title XXXVIII, Chapter 572 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

The state is also yet to legalize online sportsbooks and online casinos. With no legally sanctioned online poker operators in the state, Missouri residents cannot enjoy a hand of poker online. 

The (risky) alternative for those who want to play Missouri online poker is to sign up for an account with online casinos based outside the state. These are known as offshore sites. They are typically based in South and Central American countries, which means they’re not affected by US state and federal laws. 

While offshore sites provide a legally safe way for poker players to play online, MyPokerCoaching does not recommend registering and playing poker on these sites. Many offshore sites are disreputable and cannot be trusted. 

Some of them lure players with promises of large bonuses and a thrilling gaming experience but fail to deliver on their promises. Complaints of failed withdrawals, unfair gaming practices, and the presence of cheaters are also quite common with these sites. Offshore sites operate outside the jurisdiction of US laws, which means there are no legal ways to address your concerns or recover your money if these sites fail to deliver. 

Potential Missouri Poker Sites to Launch in the Future

Poker has been popular in Missouri for many years, but the state is still to regulate online poker sites. There have been several attempts at it over the years, but so far, none have come to fruition.

It is a pretty safe bet that online poker in MO will be regulated at some point in the future, so the only real question is when. While it’s hard to give any definitive answer at this point in time, we continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated with any important developments.

When online poker is finally legal in MO, there are a few sites that we can expect to go live. These are all operators with a major presence in the regulated US market, and they’ll likely jump at the opportunity to expand their presence.

BetMGM Poker Missouri

BetMGM has established itself as a household name in the regulated US online poker space, and the operator will likely be among the first to stake a claim in such an attractive new market.

We expect BetMGM Poker will bring out a platform similar to that in other states like PA, MI, and NJ. A poker client powered by the PartyPoker technology offers a modern and very reliable solution for all online poker fans, even if it is not as rich in functionalities as some other platforms.

In terms of game variety, players can look forward to a nice mix of online tournaments, a wide range of cash game stakes, and, in all likelihood, BetMGM Poker’s staple SPINS – a hugely popular sit & go variation featuring a random jackpot.

It is also likely that BetMGM Poker MO will come out of the gate swinging, offering a generous welcome bonus. With what’s likely to be heavy competition in the state, all sites will look for ways to stand out, and this is generally a good thing for the players.

PokerStars Missouri

Although the company couldn’t enter the US before 2016, PokerStars has established itself as a staple name of online poker in the country, just like they have done in the global market.

Once the regulation is finally passed, the launch of PokerStars is pretty much a guarantee. This is especially true if the state passes a law with the expectation of joining the MSIGA, as the operator seems eager to take advantage of opportunities provided by interstate poker.

But even without that particular element, MO is a big enough market on its own.

What PokerStars brings to the table is the operator’s experience in organizing major online series, first and foremost. US versions of ‘COOP events have been hugely successful in all states where the site currently has a presence, and there is no reason to think Missouri would be an exception.

PokerStars also offers one of the best software solutions for desktop computers and mobile devices alike. This enhances the player experience and certainly helps push the site towards the top of the list when deciding where to play.

WSOP Missouri

The third MO poker site likely to go live as soon as legal requirements are met is WSOP.com. Right now, WSOP is the only operator present in all regulated US markets with active poker sites, and the company is on the constant lookout for expansion opportunities.

WSOP.com has one trump card that no other operators can match, which is its ability to host bracelet-awarding events and exclusive satellites to live World Series of Poker tournaments. This has helped the operator remain competitive across the country.

A launch in a new state would likely mean an exclusive bracelet series, giving players in the state great opportunities to win some WSOP silverware from the comfort of their home, and if past experience is any indicator, this is an opportunity that players jump on.

WSOP should have no problem claiming its fair share of the new market despite competitors, with the operators’ numbers surging during major live and online events.