Missouri Sports Betting Launch Walkthrough: How To Make Over $9,000
Once online sports betting goes live in Missouri on December 1st some of these offers may change. This article will be updated at the time to reflect the most recent offers.
If you want one-on-one help with this process please email us at vip@darkhorseodds.com.
Note: The last several state launches saw some delays and confusion from the sportsbooks on what the exact offers were. It took 12-24 hours before all users saw some of the larger offers, specifically the $5,000 Second Chance Bets from FanDuel and DraftKings. If you do not see them when you are about to register you will want to wait at least a day to verify.
It cannot be understated: Do not rush through this process. You could miss out on thousands of dollars of profit.
- Some sportsbooks will not allow the pre-launch bonus to combine with the regular sign-up offer. If it is not clear, check with customer service.
- Do not waste your Second Chance Bet on one of the “No Brainer” bets. Such as 1 point scored in tonight's game. Yes these are a free $50-$100, but the Second Chance Bet is worth hundreds if not thousands when properly hedged. Make sure you do the Second Chance Bets first.
- Some offers, DraftKings and FanDuel are examples, are tied to your first deposit. Their deposit amount defaults to $200. Be sure to change the deposit amount before selecting the deposit method. Do not rush.
- Take your time and understand the terms and conditions of the offer. Reach out to the sportsbook's customer service if you have question about whether or not you qualify for a promotion. You can also reach out to DarkHorse Odds at vip@darkhorseodds.com for help with matched betting.
Online sports betting in Missouri kicks off on December 1st. There are eight sportsbooks launching within Missouri with more to follow.
You can make in excess of $9,000 by turning their promotions into guaranteed profit with a strategy called Matched Betting. Matched Betting turns sportsbook promotions into profit by placing a specific hedge bet which guarantees profit no matter the outcome of the event.
Matched betting doesn’t work by guessing odds, betting randomly, or even betting opposite sides of a -110 spread. You need to find specific pairs of bets that return the highest profit after hedging.
How DarkHorse Odds Fits In
DarkHorse Odds scans sportsbooks in real time and automatically finds the best matched betting opportunities for you, including:
- The most profitable bet for your promotion.
- Exact bet amounts for both the promotional bet and hedge bet.
- Predetermined profit no matter which bet wins.
- Filters to find bets that fit your individual circumstances such as bankroll, which sportsbooks you belong to, and each promotions specific Terms and Conditions.
Note that matched betting is different from gambling. Gambling means that you can lose money if a certain outcome happens. With Matched Betting, you don’t care what happens because you make the same amount of money either way. There's no better way to do sports betting in Missouri.
If you haven't already, don't forget to sign up for a free trial!
Missouri Sportsbooks
Here are the available sportsbooks sign-up offers and the approximate profit you can make from them. The profit does not stop after the sign-up offers.
To maximize your profit from these, you will need a sizable bankroll, over $15,000. But the profit amounts scale with the bankroll size. So you can still make plenty of money off of these offers if you have a smaller bankroll. You can also complete the offers one at a time, instead of all at once lowering the initial bankroll size needed.
Depending on how the bets play out, you may be able to withdraw from one sportsbook and deposit in another. This can reduce the bankroll size needed by several thousand dollars. Note that some sportsbooks (especially BetMGM) have been known to limit bettors after immediate withdrawals following the sign-up offers. If this happens you will miss out on the recurring promotions that follow, greatly reducing your long-term profit.
There are three basic Matched Betting concepts to understand before getting started with the Missouri sign-up offers. After going through each one to ensure understanding, we will break down the order you will want to complete the sign-up offers.
Core Matched Betting Concepts
Concept 1: Converting a Bonus Bet
A Bonus Bet is exactly what it sounds like. A bet given to you by the sportsbook. When you place a Bonus Bet you are not risking any money from your bankroll. The distinguishing characteristic of a Bonus Bet is that only the winnings are returned, and not the original bet amount. Read our guide on Bonus Bets to learn more.
Here is an example of converting a $100 Bonus Bet on DraftKings.
$100 bet with DK on the Sixers money line at +265 (Bonus Bet)
$196 bet with FD on the Celtics money line at -285 (Hedge Bet)
The Sixers and Celtics play each other; therefore, one of those two bets will win.
If the Sixers win…
- You profit $265 on DK
- You lose $196 on FD
- Net profit of $69
If the Celtics win…
- You profit $69 on FD
- You lose $0 on DK since it was a Bonus Bet
- Net profit of $69
You can see that no matter who wins you profit $69 from a $100 Bonus Bet. This is often referred to as a 69% conversion.
Finding the most profitable conversions does not happen automatically. There a millions of possible combinations, and DarkHorse Odds scans them in real time, shows you the best possible odds, tells you exactly how much to bets, and what your profit will bebefore you even bet.
Concept 2: Converting Site Credit
Site Credit is referred to as different things across sportsbooks. DK calls it DK Dollars, BS calls it bonus cash, etc. Like a Bonus Bet, placing a Site Credit bet does not risk money from your bankroll. Unlike a Bonus Bet, Site Credit works like a normal bet in that your original bet is returned on a winning bet.
Additionally, Site Credit often has minimum odds requirements such as -300. This means your bet must be -300 or longer to count toward the playthrough requirement. -300, -250, +150, etc all count toward the playthrough. -350, -450, etc would not count. Read our guide on Site Credit to learn more.
Here is an example of converting a $100 Site Credit on MGM.
$100 bet with MGM on the Wizards money line at -120 (Site Credit Bet)
$85 bet with BS on the Bulls money line at +115 (Hedge Bet)
The Wizards and the Bulls play each other; therefore, one of those two bets will win.
If the Wizards win…
- You profit $83 on MGM
- The $100 Site Credit is returned as $100 cash
- Total profit of $183
- You lose $85 on BS
- Net profit of $98
If the Bulls win…
- You profit $98 on BS
- You lose $0 on MGM since it was a Site Credit, not cash from your bankroll
- Net profit of $98
You can see that no matter who wins you profit $98 from a $100 Site Credit. This is often referred to as a 98% conversion. $98 / $100 * 100 = 98%.
Note: Site Credit can sometimes have a 2x or more playthrough requirement. Even with much higher playthrough requirements, Site Credit is still very profitable.
Concept 3: Converting a Second Chance Bet
Second Chance Bets are the most common sign-up offer. Second Chance Bets are wagered with cash from your bankroll, and if it loses you receive a refund, often in the form of a Bonus Bet or Site Credit. It is important to note that converting Second Chance Bets is either a one or two-step process. If the Second Chance Bet wins, you only need one step. If it loses, you need to convert the refund (See the Site Credit / Bonus Bet sections above). Learn more about Second Chance Bets in our guides.
Here is an example of the $1,000 Second Chance Bet on FanDuel that is refunded as a Bonus Bet.
Step 1: Hedge your $1,000 Second Chance Bet
$1,000 bet with FD on the Hornets money line at +280 (Second Chance Bet)
$2,305 bet with DK on the Nets money line at -290 (Hedge Bet)
The Hornets and the Nets play each other; therefore, one of those two bets will win.
If the Hornets win…
- You profit $2,800 on FD.
- You lose $2,305 on DK.
- Net profit of $495. You’re done. No need to complete step two.
If the Nets win…
- You profit $795 on DK.
- You lose $1,000 on FD, but you get a $1,000 Bonus Bet on FD from losing the Second Chance Bet.
- Right now you are down $205, but you have that $1,000 Bonus Bet. This is where step two comes into play.
Step 2: Convert your $1,000 Bonus Bet
$1,000 with FD on the Pistons money line at +240 (Bonus Bet)
$1,704 with DK on the Timberwolves money line at -245 (Hedge Bet)
The Pistons and the Timberwolves play each other; therefore, one of those two bets will win.
If the Pistons win…
- You profit $2,400 on FD
- You lose $1,704 on DK
- Step 2 Profit is $696
- Step 1 Loss is $205
- Final Profit is $491
If the Timberwolves win…
- You lose $0 on FD
- You profit $696 on DK
- Step 2 Profit is $696
- Step 1 Loss is $205
- Final Profit is $491
You can see that no matter which bet wins in any of the scenarios above, in the end, you walk away with $491 profit.
Note that with many sportsbooks, if you have a Second Chance Bet, they force it to be on your first bet placed. This is important to note to avoid accidentally hedging using a Second Chance Bet. Doing so will reduce your guaranteed profit.
Before You Start
Read our getting started guide and make sure you understand the full process before you sign-up for any sportsbooks and place your first matched bet.
Missouri Sign-up Offers Walkthrough
Warning: Before getting started, it is important to know that Sportsbooks can and will limit you. Getting limited means you won't receive any more promotions and you'll be severely restricted in how much you can bet. Read our guide on how to avoid getting limited.
DraftKings is one of the first sportsbooks to give out VIP status and they have a deposit match signup offer. VIP status can lead to many more promotions. Because of this, they are a perfect book to start with and use to hedge the other sign-up offers. They have multiple sign-up offers that can be combined. Using them as a hedge for all the other signup offers will complete a large portion of the playthrough requirements and likely result in you getting a text from a DK VIP representative.
Here is the order that you will want to complete the sign-up offers.
1. DraftKings
Deposit $5,000. Be careful when making your first deposit. It defaults to $200. You will want to change that to $5,000. Use DK to hedge the other sign-up offers, but only after completing the Second Chance Bet on DK.
- $5,000 Second Chance Bet
- 20% deposit match on a $5,000 deposit. The match is released $1 of Site Credit for every $25 wagered with minimum odds of -300.
- Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
The best way to complete these sign-up offers is to:
- Open an account and deposit $5,000. Make sure you change the deposit amount. It defaults to $200.
- Place the $5,000 Second Chance Bet. This has to be your first bet.
- The $5,000 Second Chance Bet also counts towards the Bet $5 Get $200.
- If the Second Chance Bet loses, convert the Bonus Bet refund.
- Use DraftKings as a hedge for other sportsbooks' promotions to complete the Site Credit rollover requirement.
2. Circa
Signup for Circa and use Circa to hedge the DraftKings Second Chance bet. Circa is a sharp sportsbook that clearly displays the max bet they will accept, which is perfect for hedging the DraftKings $5,000 Second Chance Bet. Circa is also bettor friendly and much less likely to limit bettors.
3. FanDuel
Opt-in then deposit a minimum of $2,000. Your next bet will be the Second Chance Bet up to $5,000. Be sure no bonuses are applied when making the $5,000 Second Chance Bet.
- If the Second Chance Bet loses, convert the Bonus Bet refund.
- FanDuel has a second offer that cannot be combined with the Second Chance Bet offer. It is Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Because it cannot be combined, this offer is not worth doing.
- If you use DK to hedge you will likely receive a text DK VIP after betting so much this quickly. Circa is also a good hedge option, but the VIP benefits from DraftKings are more valuable.
4. BetMGM
Previously opening an account and NOT depositing for 24-72 hours can result in an email with a $500 deposit match. This appears to happen less often but it is worth trying. Especially if you plan to do the other offers first. You can open an MGM account and let it sit for a few days.
- Place the $1,500 Second Chance Bet.
- Convert the Bonus Bet refund if the Second Chance Bet loses.
5. Fanatics
Fanatics is a newer sportsbook that is growing with plans to compete with DK and FD. Get a $200 Second Chance Bet for the first 15 days after you open your account. Fanatics sportsbook gives you 1% back in FanCash on all of your straight bets (more for parlays). FanCash can be converted into Bonus Bets, or used as cash for Fanatics apparel.
- Place a $200 Second Chance Bet and convert the $200 Bonus Bet refund if needed. Do this for the first 15 days you have the account.
- Be sure to opt in to the promotion on days 2-15.
6. bet365
Signup for bet365 and place the $1,000 Second Chance Bet. When you sign up you can select between two offers. You want to select the "First Bet Safety Net"
- If the Second Chance Bet loses, convert the Bonus Bet refund.
7. Caesars
Signup for Caesars, promo code most likely required. Caesars has a Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, and 5 100% Profit Boosts.
- Use the Qualifying Bet Finder to convert the Bet and Get. Make sure to set the "Outcome Needed" to "Win".
- Convert the Bonus Bet if Caesars Wins.
- Covert the 5 100% Profit Boosts.
8. theScore Bet
This will be updated once the sign-up offer is clear.
Increase Profits With VIP
If you have a very large bankroll, it is worthwhile reaching out to each sportsbook ahead of time asking what they can do for a $10,000+ deposit. No guarantee you will get an additional offer not listed above, but it is possible. Each sportsbook is eager to get new customers in a newly launched state. DraftKings and Barstool are the most likely to reply to this and give you VIP right off the bat. Learn more in our VIP guide.
Smaller Bankroll? Take This Approach
The concept to convert all the promotions is the same. The difference is that you will want to build your bankroll with the smaller sign-up offers first.
- Signup for Caesars and deposit $50+
- Signup for Circa and deposit $50+
- Use Circa to hedge the Caesars Bet and Get and the Profit Boosts.
- Signup for Fanatics and use Circa or Caesars to hedge the 10 $300 Second Chance Bets, spread over 10 days.
- Reorganize your bankroll to complete the remaining signup offers. Likely theScore -> bet365 -> betMGM -> DraftKings -> FanDuel.
Continuing Past Sign-up Offers
Sign-up offers are some of the most profitable available. However, it is easy to continue profiting after that. Sportsbooks regularly offer promotions to existing users such as profit boosts, double your winnings, bet and gets, loss insurance, and many more. Read more about how to profit from matched betting after sign-up offers in our Example Promotions Offers guide.
Many bettors begin with matched betting because it offers a structured, low-risk way to build an initial bankroll. As that bankroll grows, they naturally transition into Positive Expected Value (+EV) betting, where the goal shifts from extracting guaranteed profit from promotions to finding long-term profitable edges in the markets and maximizing long term profits. This progression is common because promotions tend to decrease over time, and a bettors risk tolerance increases as their bankroll grows. DarkHorse Odds supports it all, providing tools for matched betting and advanced +EV strategies in one platform.
FAQ
How Do I Get Started?
Guides: We have extensive matched betting guides that walk you through how to get started and profit from matched betting.
Discord: The DarkHorse Odds Discord server is a great place to discuss and learn more about matched betting from a community of other matched bettors. Join here.
Email: Send any questions to support@darkhorseodds.com.
How do I know how much to bet?
Our Bet Finders give you the best conversions and tell you exactly how much to bet.
Why do sportsbooks do this? (This sounds too good to be true.)
Sportsbooks offer promotions to get new customers and retain existing ones. They know that in the long term, they will make money off of the average gambler. It’s not that different from bank and credit card sign-up offers, except there’s a lot more money to be made.
How much money can I make doing Matched Betting?
You won’t be able to quit your day job, but it can be a sizable side hustle. A lot depends on how much money you can commit to Matched Betting to start with and what sportsbooks are available in your state. Many can make $1,000 or more a month even after sign-up offers.
What’s the catch? Is there any risk?
There’s no catch. The biggest risk to be aware of is human error. For example, placing a bet on the wrong team or for the wrong amount. So, don’t rush, take the time to understand the promotions, read over the terms and conditions, and double-check your bets.