DraftKings, FanDuel, Circa compete for Missouri’s licence
DraftKings, FanDuel, and Circa Sports have officially submitted applications for Missouri’s two untethered online sports betting licenses, the Missouri Gaming Commission confirmed. This comes ahead of the market’s launch on 1 December.
Battle for two licences
The deadline for applications closed on 15 July. However, a third application submitted on the morning of 16 July was also accepted, as it had been postmarked by the deadline. Now, three operators have submitted applications for two available licences. Unlike tethered licenses, untethered licenses offer operators the freedom to launch an online sportsbook in Missouri without aligning with a land-based 바카라 or professional sports franchise. This model eliminates mandatory revenue-sharing agreements.
The state has approved a regulatory framework that allows for up to 14 online sports betting licences and 19 retail sportsbook licences. The Missouri Gaming Commission is scheduled to announce the recipients of the untethered licenses on 15 August. This will follow a public hearing on 13 August, during which applicants will present their cases.
Applicants for the launch
Emerging operator Underdog is the only applicant to have filed for both a retail and online sportsbook licence, though it has yet to secure the mandatory market access partner required for tethered operation. Meanwhile, Century Casinos has entered a long-term partnership with BetMGM to bring online and mobile sports betting to Missouri. Under the agreement, Century will provide BetMGM with access to one of its licences, enabling the launch of BetMGM’s sportsbook platform in the state once legal sports wagering goes live. If granted a licence, BetMGM would be authorised to operate both online and in-person sportsbooks.
Similarly, UK-based sportsbook bet365 also inked a multi-year sports betting partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals in March. grants bet365 exclusive advertising rights across various Cardinals media platforms, including the team’s radio broadcasts, the Cardinals Insider TV show, and cardinals.com. This would provide the sports betting brand access to Missouri market once legal betting goes live.
Several technology and compliance companies have submitted applications for supplier licences. These include Catalist, Gaming Labs International, and GeoComply, all of which provide essential services like geolocation, testing, and fraud prevention for sportsbook platforms.
Sports betting law and MGC’s role
Missouri legalised sports betting through the passage of Amendment 2 on 5 November 2024, with the measure narrowly approved by voters—50.05 percent in favour and 49.95 percent against. This amendment allows for both online and retail sports betting for individuals aged 21 and over, with the Missouri Gaming Commission designated as the regulatory authority. A 10 percent tax is levied on sports betting revenue, with proceeds allocated to education, compulsive gambling prevention, and regulatory expenses.
The that sportsbook operators can start submitting applications for licences on 15 May 2025. Licensing rules will become effective on 30 August 2025, allowing MGC three months to review applications and issue temporary licences.
Missouri became the 39th state to legalise sports betting, joining others like New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan. Additionally, states such as Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New York, and Tennessee have also legalised sports betting, each with its own regulations and tax structures, contributing to a diverse landscape across the United States.
