Licensed sportsbooks in Kansas and Missouri said they are prepared for new and visiting bettors during the World Cup, while warning that illegal, offshore betting sites may also target fans.

Missouri becomes the 39th state to legalize sports betting, joining Kansas — which legalized sports betting in 2022. The Show-Me State (joins/remains apart from) seven of the eight states that border Missouri which have legalized sports betting in some capacity.

If Amendment 2 passes, Missouri would become the 39th state to legalize sports betting….“It just made sense that the money from taxes will go to help schools,” said Clay County resident Ryan Ault. “That’s a good thing, and people are going over the border to do it anyway. You might as well keep that money here in the state.”