Key Moments:
- Missouri Gaming Commission has issued temporary approvals to sportsbook operators and suppliers ahead of the December 1 launch date
- DraftKings and Circa received untethered mobile licenses with higher fees, while seven other brands secured tied licenses
- Operators can begin customer registration and deposits starting November 17
Regulators Grant Provisional Licenses in Advance of Launch
Sports betting in Missouri is set to go live on December 1, following the Missouri Gaming Commission’s recent decision to issue temporary licenses to several major sportsbook operators. This move allows platforms to prepare technical infrastructure and compliance measures ahead of the state’s long-anticipated rollout of legal wagering.
Operators Receive Various License Types
DraftKings and Circa stand out among licensees as they secured untethered mobile licenses, which enable them to operate independently from local casinos or sports teams. These licenses come at a premium but free these brands from mandatory revenue-sharing arrangements.
Seven additional operators- bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog- obtained licenses through partnerships with casinos or teams, in compliance with Missouri’s legal requirements.
| Operator | License Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Untethered Mobile | Independent operation, higher fee |
| Circa | Untethered Mobile | Independent operation, higher fee |
| bet365 | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
| BetMGM | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
| Caesars | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
| ESPN Bet | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
| Fanatics | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
| FanDuel | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
| Underdog | Tied | Partnered with casino or team |
Supplier Licenses Support Market Ecosystem
A suite of suppliers also received temporary authorization, helping ensure the underlying integrity and technical readiness of the market. Licensed suppliers include BMM Testlabs, Integrity Compliance 360, the International Betting Integrity Association, Genius Sports, GeoComply, Gaming Laboratories International, and Kambi.
Timeline and Regulatory Process
Legal sports wagering in Missouri has been nearly a year in progress, with voter approval occurring in late 2024. The Missouri Gaming Commission began accepting applications in May 2025, leading to phases of review and regulatory development.
DraftKings and Circa gained approval for direct mobile operations in August, while the remainder of operators and suppliers were required to submit paperwork by mid-September for their temporary license consideration.
Customer Registration and Promotional Window
Operators are permitted to start registering customers in Missouri and accepting deposits beginning November 17. This two-week period is intended to help sportsbooks build customer bases and brand awareness prior to the official December 1 launch.
Market Outlook and Sports Programming
Upon launch, Missouri will become the 39th state to offer regulated sports wagering. Customers aged 21 and older will have the option to place bets at licensed casinos or through approved mobile platforms within state boundaries. Missouri is notable for being bordered by other sports betting-active states, such as Kansas and Illinois, which neighbor the state’s major metropolitan hubs.
The timing coincides with a high-profile local sports calendar. The Kansas City Chiefs have several notable games following the launch, including a December 7 matchup against the Houston Texans and a Christmas Day clash with the Denver Broncos. Additionally, the St. Louis Blues are scheduled to play the Anaheim Ducks at Enterprise Center on the market’s opening night.
Regulatory Next Steps
Heading into the final pre-launch phase, the Missouri Gaming Commission is focusing on technical system verification and compliance checks to ensure all licensees meet regulatory standards prior to the commencement of live wagering. As Elizabeth Hoffman, the commission’s public relations coordinator, stated, “These temporary licenses will allow companies to test systems and equipment and make any necessary preparations needed before launching sports wagering on December 1.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
