Major operators line up as Missouri closes sports betting license applications

• Missouri Gaming Commission received over 1,100 sports betting applications before the 12 September deadline for December launch
• Nine major operators including bet365, BetMGM, Caesars and FanDuel submitted licence applications by the deadline
• Missouri becomes the 39th US state to legalise sports betting following voter approval of Amendment 2 in November 2024

The Missouri Gaming Commission closed applications for sports betting licences on 12 September, receiving a total of 1,113 submissions from companies seeking to participate in the state’s inaugural sports betting market launching 1 December.

Nine prominent sports betting operators submitted applications by the Friday deadline, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission.

The applicants include bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN BET, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports. DraftKings and Circa Sports had already secured the state’s two standalone mobile licences in August.

The commission indicated it would accept applications postmarked by the deadline even if they arrived later, and anticipated receiving additional submissions before the day ended. An updated list of approved applicants is expected to be released early next week.

Several major companies filed hundreds of applications each, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the licensing process. BetMGM submitted 300 applications, Penn Sports Interactive filed 221, Underdog submitted 181, and bet365 provided 166 applications.

The high volume reflects requirements for operators, suppliers, vendors, and key personnel, with companies needing separate applications for individuals holding more than five per cent ownership stakes.

Missouri’s sports betting framework allows for up to 21 operator licences, comprising two standalone licences already awarded and 19 additional licences tied to existing casinos or six qualified professional sports teams. The tethered licences require revenue-sharing agreements with casino or sports team partners.

Two operators have announced partnerships with professional sports teams. FanDuel secured market access through Major League Soccer’s St Louis SC, whilst bet365 partnered with the St Louis Cardinals. The Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, KC Current of the National Women’s Soccer League, and St Louis Blues have not yet announced partnerships.

The Missouri Gaming Commission expects to begin issuing temporary licences by late October following application reviews. The commission will hold meetings on 23 and 24 September to review applications and hear from applicants.

Missouri voters narrowly approved Amendment 2 in November 2024 with 50.1% support, making sports betting legal in the state. The amendment paved the way for both retail and online sports betting, with the commission required to implement regulations by 1 December 2025.