Missouri Moves Toward December Sports Betting Rollout with Over 1,100 Applications
Missouri is moving rapidly toward the introduction of both online and retail sports betting on December 1. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has confirmed that it has received 1,113 license applications, signaling significant interest from industry stakeholders eager to establish a foothold in the state’s new regulated market.
Major Operators Dominate Application Submissions
The filing deadline for initial launch eligibility closed last Friday, although the commission has stated that applications postmarked by that date will still be reviewed. The large volume of submissions demonstrates how many layers of approval are required for entry into Missouri. Licenses cover not only sportsbook operators, but also vendors, suppliers, and individuals with at least 5% ownership or substantial influence over operations.
BetMGM led the pack with 300 applications, followed by Penn Sports Interactive with 221, Underdog with 181, and bet365 with 166. Each of these companies is preparing to navigate the state’s complex regulatory framework, which demands extensive vetting across personnel and third-party service providers.
BetMGM, Penn, and bet365 have also submitted plans for both mobile sportsbooks and physical betting facilities. Dual operations require additional regulatory checks, particularly in areas such as staffing and retail oversight.
The MGC intends to award up to 21 operator licenses, with two already distributed in August as stand-alone mobile licenses. DraftKings and Circa Sports secured these permits during the commission’s August 19 meeting. The other 19 licenses will be tied to Missouri’s land-based casinos or one of the state’s six professional sports teams.
Partnership announcements are beginning to emerge. FanDuel has secured market access through a deal with Major League Soccer’s St. Louis SC, while bet365 partnered with Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals. Other franchises—the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), and KC Current (NWSL)—have yet to formalize sportsbook alliances.
Casinos are also playing a role in market entry. Century Casino Cape Girardeau appeared in the most recent MGC filings as a new partner, providing BetMGM with access for both online betting and retail operations. Century Casinos, which manages two properties in Missouri, offers a strong base for launching a sportsbook presence.
Licensing Hearings Scheduled for September
The next step in the approval process involves public hearings, where operators will present their proposals directly to the commission. Meetings are scheduled for September 23 and 24, giving applicants the opportunity to outline their products, compliance measures, and operational strategies. Commissioners will also have the chance to question company representatives, as they did during the August hearings for the first two mobile-only licenses.
The roster of applicants features nearly every major U.S. sportsbook brand. In addition to BetMGM, Penn, bet365, Underdog, DraftKings, and FanDuel, submissions came from Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, ESPN Bet through Penn Entertainment, theScore, and supplier Kambi.
With such a crowded field, regulators face a busy review period to ensure compliance ahead of the December 1 rollout. Still, the momentum suggests Missouri is on track to meet its target, potentially joining the list of states with operational sports betting before the end of the year.
Source: Missouri Moves Closer to Sports Betting Rollout with Over 1,100 Applications, LCB.org, September 16, 2025.