Legal sports betting is officially on its way to Missouri, with wagering set to begin on December 1, 2025. Following the passage of Amendment 2, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed that nine major operators submitted license applications before the September 12 deadline.
The confirmed applicants include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics, Underdog, Penn Entertainment (ESPN Bet), and Circa Sports. Temporary licenses are expected to be issued by October 22, and pre-registration for bettors will open on November 17.
DraftKings and Circa Win Key Licenses
DraftKings and Circa Sports have secured the only two untethered licenses available—meaning they can operate without partnering with a local casino or pro sports team. All other operators must partner with a land-based entity to enter the Missouri market.
FanDuel, which failed to obtain an untethered license, quickly announced a deal with St. Louis CITY SC of the MLS. BetMGM partnered with Century Casinos and the Kansas City Chiefs, while bet365 gained access through a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Caesars, Fanatics, and Underdog also submitted applications and are expected to go live at launch.
License Breakdown and Tax Details
Under Missouri’s new law, the MGC can grant up to 19 retail sportsbook licenses and 14 mobile licenses, 12 of which must be tethered to casinos or professional sports teams. All sportsbooks, regardless of license type, will be taxed at 10% of gross revenue.
Operators must also pay $250,000 for a retail license and $500,000 for a mobile license, with renewals every five years. Missouri residents aged 21 and older will be allowed to place wagers both in person and online. Betting on college sports will be permitted, with no restrictions on in-state teams.
Six-Year Push for Legalization Finally Pays Off
Missouri’s road to legalized sports betting began in 2018 but was stalled by political infighting—mainly over the inclusion of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). After multiple failed bills, Amendment 2 made it onto the November 2024 ballot through a citizen-led campaign backed by all six pro sports teams in the state.
The measure narrowly passed, with just over 50% of voters supporting it. The first $5 million in annual revenue will fund compulsive gambling prevention, while the remaining funds will support K-12 and higher education. However, the law allows operators to deduct promotional spending, making actual tax revenue projections uncertain. Estimates range from $0 to $28.9 million annually.
Missouri Joins Growing List of Sports Betting States
With sports betting now legal in 38 states and D.C., Missouri becomes the latest to join a growing national trend. Neighboring states like Kansas and Illinois already offer legal wagering, increasing pressure on Missouri lawmakers to act.
Despite some industry pushback—particularly from Caesars, which opposed the one-license-per-operator rule—the market is moving forward. MGC will hold meetings on September 23 and 24 to review applications, and the final list of approved operators is expected shortly thereafter.
Source:
“Missouri sports betting application deadline passes; pre-registration can start Nov. 17”, cleveland.com, Sep 13, 2025.
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