Missouri Grants Nine Temporary Sports Betting Licenses Ahead of Launch

Guard Dog Oct 30, 2025
Featured news image

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has cleared the way for the state’s long-anticipated entry into regulated sports betting by granting nine temporary sportsbook licenses. The approvals position Missouri to officially launch both online and retail wagering on December 1, 2025, marking a major milestone for one of the last Midwestern states to legalize sports betting.

Temporary Licenses Issued to Leading Operators

The licenses, awarded on Wednesday evening, were issued to Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, FanDuel, Fanatics, and Underdog, alongside DraftKings and Circa, which had previously received untethered licenses earlier this year.

In addition to sportsbook approvals, the MGC also issued supplier licenses to several key industry partners, including Genius Sports Media, GeoComply, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and Kambi.

Licensed operators will be able to begin player registration and deposits starting November 17, giving them a two-week lead time before wagering officially goes live.

Partnerships Secure Market Entry

Under Missouri’s legal framework, most operators must obtain market access through a local casino or professional sports franchise, with only two licenses available on an untethered basis. DraftKings and Circa secured those independent positions, while the other brands have formed high-profile local partnerships to establish their presence.

  • FanDuel partnered with St. Louis City FC, expanding its sports-driven footprint.
     
  • Bet365 aligned with the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the driving forces behind Missouri’s successful 2024 ballot initiative.
     
  • BetMGM joined with Century Casinos, while Fanatics teamed up with Boyd Gaming.
     
  • Underdog partnered with both the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Blues in a unique mix of operational and marketing collaborations.
     
  • Caesars and Penn Entertainment, which operates ESPN Bet, obtained approval through their Missouri-based casinos, enabling integrated retail and online sportsbook operations.
     

The MGC also granted casino venue licenses to eight properties, paving the way for in-person betting at:

  • Ameristar Casino Kansas City and Ameristar Casino St. Charles (Fanatics)
     
  • Century Casino Cape Girardeau (BetMGM)
     
  • Harrah’s Kansas City and Horseshoe St. Louis (Caesars)
     
  • Argosy Riverside Casino, Hollywood Casino St. Louis, and River City Casino (ESPN Bet).
     

From Voter Approval to Market Launch

Missouri’s path toward sports betting legalization has been several years in the making. Following multiple unsuccessful legislative attempts, the state’s professional sports teams spearheaded a citizen-led ballot initiative, which was approved by voters in November 2024 with just over 50% in favor.

After the referendum, regulators began building the state’s oversight framework. The rollout faced temporary delays when Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the initial set of proposed emergency rules. However, by the time the application window opened in May 2025, enthusiasm from the industry was clear — the MGC received more than 1,100 submissions from operators, suppliers, and key personnel before the September deadline.

The overwhelming response signals Missouri’s potential to become one of the Midwest’s most active and competitive sports betting jurisdictions.

Digital Advertising and Regulatory Momentum

In parallel with the licensing process, Missouri’s gaming regulators have also expanded their approach to responsible marketing and digital visibility. Google approved sports betting advertisements for state-certified operators beginning August 15, 2025, allowing licensed sportsbooks to use Google Ads for the first time. The change brings Missouri in line with other regulated states such as Florida and Delaware, where similar ad permissions are already in place.

Countdown to December

With the final licensing decisions made and partnerships in place, the MGC has set the stage for a smooth December 1 launch. Operators are expected to begin aggressive pre-registration campaigns in mid-November, offering early deposit incentives to attract players ahead of the market opening.

Missouri’s sports betting debut will represent the culmination of years of advocacy and regulatory groundwork — ushering in a new era of legal online and retail wagering for players across the state.

Source: Missouri Regulator Grants Nine Temporary Sports Betting Licenses, RealMoneyAction, October 28, 2025.