Missouri’s journey toward launching a legal sports betting market continues, with the regulatory process now in its next major phase. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially opened a public comment window for its proposed rules, giving stakeholders and citizens a chance to weigh in before the market goes live on December 1.
Feedback must be submitted by July 16, and a public hearing to review those comments is scheduled for July 17 at 9 a.m. local time. The MGC encourages feedback to reference specific rules and to include suggested alternative language where applicable.
Although a summer rollout had initially been considered, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected an emergency rule proposal in February, which delayed implementation. The finalized rules are now set to take effect on August 30, with Missouri maintaining its target of a December 1 go-live date.
Application Process Underway for Operators
The application period for sportsbook operators officially began on May 15. Companies pursuing one of the two direct licenses from the MGC must file their applications by July 15. These applicants will then be evaluated during a hearing on August 13, with final license selections announced on August 15.
Meanwhile, sportsbooks aiming to enter the market through partnerships with Missouri’s professional sports teams or its 13 riverboat casinos have until September 12 to submit their applications if they plan to launch on December 1.
So far, DraftKings and Underdog have submitted applications for the standalone licenses, although neither has confirmed a local partnership. Two partnerships have already been made public: Bet365 is teaming up with the St. Louis Cardinals, and BetMGM has aligned with Century Casinos.
In total, Missouri will issue 21 sportsbook licenses—two standalone, six linked to pro sports teams, and 13 via riverboat casino affiliations, according to Legal Sports Report
Operators and Responsible Gambling Measures in Focus
Several major operators are expected to enter Missouri’s new market. FanDuel, which alongside DraftKings invested more than $40 million into last year’s successful ballot campaign, is seen as a likely applicant. Other expected contenders include Fanatics, ESPN Bet’s operator Penn, and companies with existing casino footprints in Missouri, such as Bally’s, Caesars, and Boyd Gaming. Rush Street Interactive also indicated interest during a recent earnings call.
Beyond licensing, the November 2024 vote also established the Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund (CGP). Managed by the MGC in coordination with the Department of Health, this fund provides ongoing support for responsible gaming initiatives. Unlike traditional government funds, the CGP carries no expiration for unspent money, allowing long-term planning and program development.
A Competitive Edge for Missouri Bettors?
Missouri’s upcoming market launch could offer local bettors a more cost-effective alternative compared to neighboring Illinois. Recently, Illinois introduced a tiered per-wager tax—25 cents per bet up to 20 million annual wagers, and 50 cents for each bet above that threshold. In response, DraftKings and FanDuel confirmed plans to pass these new costs on to customers starting September 1. Fanatics has also stated it may follow suit, though without a specified timeline.
This contrast may drive more interest in Missouri sportsbooks once operations begin in December.
The post Missouri Sports Betting Moves Forward with Public Input Phase first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.