Nine operators apply for Missouri sports betting launch
Missouri sports betting is finally on the horizon, with the market scheduled to go live on 1 December 2025. When the launch happens, bettors in the state will likely have access to most of the biggest sportsbooks in the US market. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed that at least nine operators had filed applications for licences before the official deadline of 12 September. Among them were DraftKings and Circa Sports, who secured untethered licences in mid-August.
However, the MGC has stated that applications can still be submitted after the deadline, noting that “we do expect this list to grow.” An updated list of approved applicants is expected in the coming weeks.
Major sportsbooks apply for Missouri licences
In addition to DraftKings and Circa, several major operators are seeking tethered licences by partnering with in-state casinos or professional sports teams. As of 15 September, the applicants include:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- PENN Entertainment (ESPN Bet)
- Underdog
These operators represent the bulk of the leading US sports betting brands, but some big names are notably absent. BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet have not filed for entry. Rush Street Interactive, parent company of BetRivers, reportedly said that it has no plans to launch in Missouri at this time.
Missouri sports betting law and tax rates
Under the state’s new sports betting law, the MGC can issue up to 19 retail licences and 14 online licences. Untethered licences, such as those awarded to DraftKings and Circa, come at a higher cost but allow operators to launch without a local partner. Tethered licences are cheaper but require revenue-sharing agreements with a casino or sports team. Regardless of licence type, all online sportsbooks will be taxed at 10 percent of gross revenue.
Sports team partnerships fuel market entry
Sports betting partnerships are set to play a big role in Missouri’s new market. FanDuel announced a partnership with MLS club St. Louis City after its bid for an untethered licence was rejected. Bet365 partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals in March. The company has an existing deal with Century Casinos, hinting at the possibility of a retail sportsbook opening in the state.
Additionally, Caesars and PENN Entertainment plan to operate retail sportsbooks in their Missouri casino properties. Fanatics has partnered with Boyd Gaming, with plans for both land-based and mobile betting. Underdog has yet to confirm its local partner, while major Missouri teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, KC Royals, and St. Louis Blues remain unaligned.
Nearly 800 licence applications filed
The MGC has seen a flood of interest in the state’s new market, with more than 734 applications for mobile, retail, and supplier licences received by mid-September. That number has since grown to around 800, according to MGC Chair Jan Zimmerman.
Some operators, including Caesars, Fanatics, and PENN, have submitted multiple applications to cover both online platforms and retail sportsbooks. Others, including BetMGM and bet365, have applied for supplier licences as well. Supplier applicants include major names such as BMM Testlabs, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), GeoComply, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), Kambi, SBTech, SIS Content Services, and Sportradar.
The MGC will hold two meetings on 23 and 24 September to review applications and hear from applicants. Temporary licences are expected to be issued by late October. Missouri is set to become the 33rd US jurisdiction to offer legal online sports betting.
In August, the MGC granted mobile sports betting licences to DraftKings and Circa Sports. With these licences, both operators can enter Missouri independently, without requiring alliances with regional sports teams or casinos. Mobile sports betting is scheduled to go live in the state on 1 December 2025. FanDuel, which also applied, did not receive a licence and is expected to seek entry through a team partnership.
