Missouri Gaming Commission opens licensing for sports betting operators
The Missouri Gaming Commission has announced that sports betting operators can submit their applications for a state licence starting this week. Licensing rules will become effective on 30 August, with the interim period running from 15 May to 30 August 2025.
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.
“Our licensing rules are scheduled to become effective on 30 August, so this interim period from 15 May to 30 August will help ensure that the commission has time to properly review applications before decisions are made and temporary licences are issued,” the gambling regulator stated.
Missouri licensing structure
Missouri plans to issue 19 retail and 21 online betting licences, balancing physical and mobile wagering. Qualified operators can apply, and six major league sports teams are eligible for one retail and one online licence each. According to Daily Racing Form, ESPN Bet and Bet365 have applied, with Bet365 partnering with the St. Louis Cardinals as their first official mobile sports betting partner.
Missouri has become 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.
Stock market response
Despite this lengthy back-and-forth process, a major victory occurred in November when voters approved legal sports betting, significantly impacting the US gaming industry. Stocks of sports betting companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street surged by 3 percent, 2.51 percent, and 5.1 percent, respectively, on the day the vote results were announced.
The importance of Missouri becoming the 39th state to legalise sports betting was highlighted by Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, who praised the effort involved in securing regulation.
