Missouri Sports Betting Set for Dec. 1 Launch with Major Operators Confirmed

Sports betting in Missouri is entering its final countdown, with retail and online wagering officially scheduled to debut on December 1, 2025. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has now received hundreds of applications from operators, suppliers, and vendors, marking one of the final steps before the state’s market opens.

The industry’s framework stems from Amendment 2, which narrowly passed during the November 2024 election with 50.05% voter approval. The constitutional amendment legalized both in-person and mobile betting, imposed a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue, and earmarked funds for K-12 schools, higher education, and compulsive gambling programs. Despite legalization, wagering could not begin until the MGC completed licensing and regulatory preparations, which are now nearing completion.

Application Process and Market Structure

The MGC reported it had received more than 1,100 total applications from companies connected to sports betting operations, including over 734 filings from operators and suppliers by the September 12 deadline. The flood of paperwork includes submissions for “key individuals” who hold more than a 5% stake in a company, as well as multiple personnel-related filings from larger operators. BetMGM submitted around 300 applications, Penn Sports Interactive 221, Underdog 181, and bet365 166.

Missouri will allow up to 21 operator licenses, with two already awarded as “untethered” mobile permits to DraftKings and Circa Sports in August. The other 19 will be tied to either the state’s 13 commercial casinos or six professional sports teams. Operators seeking tethered entry are striking deals with local partners, such as FanDuel’s alliance with MLS club St. Louis CITY SC and bet365’s agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals. Penn Entertainment’s ESPN Bet and Caesars will leverage their existing casino properties, while BetMGM secured access through Century Casinos. Fanatics has partnered with Boyd Gaming for both retail and online entry.

Operators Expected on Day One

The initial launch lineup features a strong group of nationally recognized brands. According to the MGC and multiple reports, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, Fanatics, Penn’s ESPN Bet, Underdog, and Circa Sports are confirmed applicants, with temporary licenses expected by October 22. Online pre-registration for customers will begin November 17.

In total, Missouri law permits 14 mobile platforms and 19 retail sportsbooks. Each professional sports franchise—including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis CITY SC, and the KC Current—can support one sportsbook “skin,” adding to the mix of potential operators. Caesars, Bally’s, and Penn already operate casinos in the state, positioning them strongly for retail presence.

Regulatory Timeline and Economic Impact

The MGC has scheduled meetings for September 23–24 where operators will present their plans and field commissioner questions before final approvals. Temporary licenses are anticipated by late October, keeping the December 1 launch date on track.

Industry forecasts suggest Missouri could see up to $4.5 billion in annual wagers and as much as $500 million in gross revenue, producing nearly $29 million in tax revenue under the 10% rate. However, some analysts and critics caution that deductions for promotional credits could significantly reduce actual revenue directed to schools, echoing concerns raised during the Amendment 2 campaign.

Despite debates, the sports betting rollout is expected to be one of the largest new market launches in the United States in 2025. With most major operators already committed and partnerships forming across the state’s professional sports landscape, Missouri residents are poised to gain access to a wide array of sportsbooks both online and at retail venues when the market goes live.

Source:

“Missouri Sports Betting Mandatory Launch Date Approaches“, Cleveland.com, September 16, 2025.