Missouri sports betting market goes live with 8 operators

• Regulated sports betting launched in Missouri today, on 1 December 2025, with 8 online operators.
• The market is overseen by the Missouri Gaming Commission, with a 10% tax on adjusted gross revenue channelled to education and responsible gambling.
• Underdog Sports withdraws before launch, leaving bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and theScore Bet as the live brands.

Missouri has launched legal sports betting statewide from 1 December 2025, opening both online and retail channels under a regulatory framework overseen by the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC).

The launch follows voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 2024, making Missouri the latest U.S. jurisdiction to authorise sports wagering for players aged twenty-one and over​.

Tax structure

The new framework allows betting at licensed land-based casinos and via approved mobile apps, provided that customers are physically located within state borders. MGC rules set a 10% tax on adjusted gross sports betting revenue, with proceeds directed to public education and problem gambling services, and to cover regulatory costs for the state.​

The legislation also introduces a suite of consumer protection measures. These include mandatory identity verification, tools for deposit limits and self-exclusion, and restrictions on certain bet types, including some college-related prop wagers, to help protect athletes and maintain sports integrity.​

Live operators at launch

At market go-live, 8 online sportsbooks are live in Missouri, reflecting a mix of national and internationally recognised brands.

The confirmed operators are bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel and theScore Bet. Several of these brands are also offering on-site betting at partner casinos and sports venues, creating omnichannel access for customers.​

Pre-registration campaigns and welcome promotions were rolled out in November, enabling customers to open accounts and claim introductory offers before the official launch date.

Market analysts expect DraftKings and FanDuel to account for a large share of early handle, consistent with their performance in other U.S. states, with Caesars and BetMGM also forecast to secure strong volumes.​

Last week, DraftKings announced a new sports sponsorship with the St. Louis Blues ahead of the Missouri official sports betting launch.

Underdog withdrew before launch

One planned operator, Underdog Sports, withdrew from Missouri’s sportsbook line-up shortly before the market opened. The company returned its temporary licence and chose to pivot its strategic focus towards fantasy contests and prediction markets instead of operating a regulated sportsbook in the state.

Underdog’s withdrawal also affected commercial relationships with Missouri sports teams. The Kansas City Royals, who had previously announced Underdog as a prospective betting partner, are now seeking a replacement operator to fill that slot in their sponsorship and fan engagement portfolio.​

Responsible gambling focus

Forecasts suggest that Missouri’s sports betting handle could approach $4bn during its first full year, generating operator revenues of more than $500m and state tax revenues in excess of $50m. These projections are based on comparable mid-sized U.S. markets with similar population levels and product mixes.​

Regulators and lawmakers have stressed the importance of monitoring social impacts as well as financial performance. Public radio and local media coverage highlight concerns around advertising levels, potential risks for young people and the need for robust enforcement of age and location controls.​

Looking ahead

Missouri’s entry into legal sports betting strengthens the regulated footprint in the Midwest and adds a new revenue stream for both operators and the state. For betting companies, the launch creates fresh opportunities to acquire customers in a sports-centric region with strong support for teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals.

For regulators and policymakers, the first full year of operation will provide data on tax performance, channel shift from offshore sites and the effectiveness of responsible gambling measures.​ These early outcomes are likely to shape future licensing strategies, marketing rules and cross-border competition with neighbouring states.

Source: Yahoo Sports