- Missouri is gearing up for a December 1 launch of legal online sports betting.
- Several sportsbooks are lining up for licenses as the rules get finalized.
JEFFERSON City, Mo. – With Missouri legal online sports betting scheduled to launch on December 1, the licensing process is now underway. State regulators are reviewing applications from operators, and key deadlines and decisions are approaching in the coming weeks.
Missouri law, passed by voters in 2024, created two “untethered” mobile sportsbook licenses. These allow operators to offer online betting without needing a partnership with a Missouri casino or professional sports team.
Three companies submitted applications before the July 15 deadline:
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Circa Sports
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will hold a public hearing on August 13 to review these bids and will announce the two untethered license recipients on August 15. The selection process will consider factors such as sports betting bonuses and promotions, advertising plans, projected revenue for the state, and the applicant’s ability to attract and retain bettors.
Tethered License Applicants and Partnerships
In addition to the untethered licenses, Missouri law allows tethered licenses for legal online sportsbooks that partner with existing in-state casinos or professional sports teams. These agreements are required for those who wish to launch in the state.
Confirmed partnerships and applicants include:
- Bet365 – partnered with St. Louis Cardinals
- BetMGM – partnered with Century Casinos
- ESPN BET – expected to apply via PENN Entertainment
- Caesars Sportsbook – through Caesars-owned Missouri casinos
- Bally Bet – through Bally’s Corporation
- Underdog Sports – has applied, but market access partner not announced
Other expected applicants include Fanatics Sportsbook, BetRivers, and Hard Rock Bet.
Tethered license applications are due by September 12 for operators hoping to launch on the December 1 start date. The MGC is expected to announce the tethered licensees shortly after that deadline.
Missouri Sports Betting Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 15 | Deadline for untethered license applications (now closed) |
| August 13 | Public hearing for untethered applicants |
| August 15 | Announcement of untethered license recipients |
| September 12 | Deadline for tethered license applications |
| September 30 | Deadline for MGC to finalize sportsbook regulations |
The public comment period for proposed regulations concluded on Wednesday, with no significant objections reported. The final rules are expected to be approved and published by the end of September, allowing sportsbooks to complete compliance and system testing ahead of the launch.
Per the constitutional amendment passed by voters, legal online sports betting must go live in Missouri by December 1, 2025. Sportsbooks will be taxed at 10% of adjusted gross revenue. The sports betting revenue will first cover regulatory expenses, with the remaining funds split between initiatives for responsible gambling and statewide education programs.
