Key Moments:
- Nine operators have submitted sports betting license applications in Missouri ahead of the 12 September deadline, with the Missouri Gaming Commission expecting more applications.
- Missouri’s sports betting market is scheduled to launch on 1 December 2025, allowing access to key US sportsbook brands.
- Nearly 800 combined applications for mobile, retail, and supplier licenses have been received by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Growing Lineup of Applicants for Missouri Sports Betting Licenses
The Missouri sports betting landscape is on track to go live on 1 December 2025. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) reported that at least nine operators submitted their licensing applications before the cutoff date of 12 September. Notable among these are DraftKings and Circa Sports, both of which secured untethered licenses in mid-August, giving them a direct path into the market.
The MGC has indicated that the application window remains open and anticipates that additional operators will join the list. An updated roster of approved operators is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
NEW: Current list of Missouri mobile sports betting applicants that have applied ahead of today's deadline and could go live on the Dec. 1 launch, state regulators tell @covers:
bet365
BetMGM
Circa*
Ceasars
DraftKings*
ESPN BET
Fanatics
FanDuel
Underdog*Already earned license
— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) September 12, 2025
Tethered and Untethered Licensing Landscape
Alongside DraftKings and Circa, a number of major sportsbook entities are seeking tethered licenses, which require partnerships with in-state casinos or professional sports teams. As of 15 September, the list of applicants also includes:
| Operator |
|---|
| bet365 |
| BetMGM |
| Caesars |
| Fanatics |
| FanDuel |
| PENN Entertainment (ESPN Bet) |
| Underdog |
While leading names are present, some major brands, such as BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet, have chosen not to enter at this time. Rush Street Interactive, parent of BetRivers, has disclosed it currently has no plans for a Missouri launch.
Missouri’s Licensing and Tax Structure
Missouri’s new legal framework allows the MGC to issue up to 19 retail licenses and 14 online licenses. Untethered licenses enable operators to launch independently but require higher fees, while tethered options are more affordable but mandate revenue-sharing agreements with casinos or sports teams. All online sportsbook operators are subject to a 10 percent gross revenue tax.
Role of Local Partnerships in Market Entry
Strategic collaborations with Missouri sports organizations and casinos have been pivotal for market access. FanDuel partnered with St. Louis City, an MLS team, after being denied an untethered license. Bet365 entered into an agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals in March, supplementing an existing relationship with Century Casinos that may facilitate a retail sportsbook opening.
Caesars and PENN Entertainment plan to establish retail sportsbooks within their Missouri casino venues. Fanatics has joined forces with Boyd Gaming and aims to offer both land-based and mobile betting services. Underdog has not yet finalized a local partnership, while prominent teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, KC Royals, and St. Louis Blues have not aligned with any operator thus far.
Flood of License Applications Demonstrates Market Demand
The MGC has seen substantial interest, with more than 734 applications for mobile, retail, and supplier licenses submitted by mid-September, a number that has since risen to about 800 as reported by MGC Chair Jan Zimmerman.
Some operators, such as Caesars, Fanatics, and PENN, have filed multiple applications to cover both online and retail sportsbook offerings. Additional submissions from BetMGM and bet365 include supplier licenses. The applicant pool for supplier licenses features prominent industry names, including BMM Testlabs, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), GeoComply, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), Kambi, SBTech, SIS Content Services, and Sportradar.
Regulatory Timeline and Outlook
The MGC has scheduled two meetings for 23 and 24 September to assess license applications and hear from candidates. Temporary licenses are projected to be issued by late October.
DraftKings and Circa Sports received mobile sports betting licenses in August, permitting both companies to operate in Missouri without relying on partnerships with local casinos or teams. FanDuel, whose application for an untethered license was unsuccessful, is expected to pursue entry through a team-based arrangement. Mobile sports betting is earmarked to launch statewide on 1 December 2025, positioning Missouri as the 33rd US jurisdiction with regulated online sports betting.
- Author
Daniel Williams
