The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has cleared the way for sports wagering to debut across the state, issuing a wave of temporary licenses to leading operators ahead of the December 1, 2025 launch date.
The commission distributed nine temporary online sports betting licenses, marking a major milestone for Missouri’s upcoming market. Among those approved are industry giants DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, ESPN BET, Fanatics, Underdog, and Circa Sports. The MGC confirmed the decision in a statement, noting that the temporary approvals enable companies “to test systems and equipment and make any necessary preparations needed before launching sports wagering on Dec. 1,” according to Public Relations Coordinator Liz Hoffman.
Major Operators Gear Up for Launch
Each of the approved sportsbooks is now in the process of finalizing operational details before Missouri’s go-live date. Operators must submit compliance documentation, including internal controls, house rules, and payment processor information, to meet MGC’s regulatory requirements.
The state’s two untethered licenses, previously awarded in August, went to DraftKings and Circa Sports, giving them direct access without the need to partner with a Missouri-based casino or sports franchise. The other seven approvals are tethered licenses, requiring formal agreements with either a local casino or professional sports team.
Several major partnerships have already been announced. FanDuel teamed up with Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC, bet365 partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Underdog secured a deal with the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, BetMGM aligned with Century Casinos, Caesars will operate through its Harrah’s Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis properties, ESPN BET will launch under PENN Entertainment’s Missouri casinos, and Fanatics will leverage its collaboration with Boyd Gaming.
The MGC has also confirmed that operators will be able to begin accepting deposits from Missouri bettors starting November 17, ahead of the official December 1 launch at midnight. Once operational, licensed sportsbooks will pay a 10% tax on revenue, one of the lower rates among U.S. jurisdictions.
Retail Sportsbooks and Technology Providers
In addition to mobile betting, as many as eight retail sportsbooks are expected to open across Missouri’s 13 casinos when the market goes live. BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, and Fanatics are among those preparing to offer in-person wagering, with retail locations planned at Century Casino Cape Girardeau, Horseshoe St. Louis, Harrah’s Kansas City, and Boyd Gaming’s Ameristar properties.
The state’s six professional sports teams are also authorized to host in-property sportsbooks through their operator partners, though no franchises have yet confirmed stadium-based betting facilities.
Alongside operator approvals, the MGC granted temporary supplier licenses to a range of key technology and integrity service providers. Companies such as Kambi, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), GeoComply, Genius Sports, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), and Swish Analytics have been cleared to support the upcoming market. These platforms will handle essential functions like geolocation verification, system testing, integrity monitoring, and data analytics.
Missouri law permits up to 19 retail sportsbook licenses and 14 online licenses, leaving room for additional brands to join the market in the future. However, operators like BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet have opted not to apply for the current round of approvals, as SBC Americas reports.
The lineup of approved sportsbooks represents more than 90% of the total handle across the U.S. sports betting landscape. DraftKings and FanDuel, which dominate in most regulated states, each anticipate capturing roughly one-third of Missouri’s market share.
For Fanatics, Missouri marks another key step in its rapid U.S. expansion, while Underdog is preparing for just its second real-money sportsbook launch after debuting earlier in North Carolina. Circa Sports, known for its sharp odds and high-limit betting, will enter the state following successful operations in neighboring Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky.
As Missouri finalizes its regulatory framework, the MGC plans to transition temporary licenses into full approvals over the coming weeks. Once that process is complete, the Show-Me State will officially join the growing list of U.S. jurisdictions offering both mobile and retail sports betting, opening the door for residents to place wagers just in time for the college football and NFL postseason.
