Missouri Reports Jump in Sports Betting Tax Revenue For July

Missouri bettors weren’t as active in July, but the Show-Me State still posted impressive sports betting tax revenue.

The Missouri Gaming Commission released its July revenue reports, which covered the second half of the 2026 World Cup. The state saw $246.8 million in wagers, down more than $11 million from June. However, it generated $2.2 million in tax revenue, up from $1.4 million last month. 

The state’s sports betting market launched in December 2025, meaning no year-over-year data is available.

World Cup Boosts Tax Revenue

The drop in handle during the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds was surprising, but the tournament still paid for Missouri.

The tournament’s group stage saw most of the favorites advance, leading sportsbooks to lose money. Fortunately, the knockout round delivered key upsets and the money was more evenly spread. This boosted tax revenue, despite fewer wagers being placed.

Missouri hosted six matches during the 2026 World Cup, all at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. 

Retail Betting Down

One area that continues to decline is retail sports betting, which saw just 37,169 wagers for the month. Those numbers are down from the 39,151 placed in June, and represent the fifth straight month where retail wagers declined. 

In an interview with Missouri’s NBC Channel 8, SBRnet President Neil Schwartz says the decline shouldn’t come as a surprise.

I expect it to go down. I mean, two areas that have really suffered since, you know, obviously online gambling is one, the neighborhood bookie, and number two has been sportsbooks. You don't have to go to a brick-and-mortar sportsbook anymore to place a sports bet.

Missouri’s First Full Football Season Begins

While it was curious to see wagers drop in July, the state has high hopes for the fall.

After launching in December 2025, Missouri’s sports betting market will be live for the full NFL and NCAA football season for the first time. That’s expected to translate into a massive spike in handle and revenue, thanks to the state’s football-loving fanbase.

The state is home to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the most dominant team in the sport over the last decade. The University of Missouri’s football team also has a large following and plays in the prestigious SEC. 

This has raised expectations across the industry, making it easy to dismiss July’s disappointing handle.