Missouri Sets December 1 Launch for Sports Betting, Operators Race for Market Share

Sadonna Price
Author Sadonna Price
Published: Sep 22, 2025
Ali Raza
Fact Checker Ali Raza
Updated: Sep 22, 2025

With Missouri set to debut legal sports betting on December 1, 2025, the competition among major sportsbook operators is intensifying.

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will issue up to 14 mobile/online licenses alongside retail betting approvals. Two “untethered” mobile licenses have already been secured by DraftKings and Circa Sports, giving them a clear head start.

Missouri Sports Betting - Banner with date and map.

Big Names in the Running

Applications for the remaining slots closed on September 12, with some of the largest brands in U.S. sports betting seeking entry.

  • FanDuel – The market leader nationally, expected to tie up with a Missouri casino operator.
  • BetMGM – Backed by MGM Resorts and Entain, likely to leverage its experience in neighboring markets like Illinois.
  • Caesars Sportsbook – With Harrah’s North Kansas City already operating in the state, Caesars is seen as a strong retail contender.
  • bet365 – The U.K.-based giant continues its U.S. push, eyeing Missouri as a foothold in the Midwest.
  • ESPN BET – Powered by Penn Entertainment, it hopes to use brand recognition to capture casual sports fans.
  • Underdog Sports – Known for fantasy contests, the company is angling to expand into full sportsbook operations.

In addition to these, Missouri’s six professional sports teams (including the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and Kansas City Chiefs) are eligible for their own sportsbook licenses, potentially opening the door for stadium-based betting experiences.

Stakes and Strategy

The timing of Missouri’s launch — just before the college football bowl season and NFL playoffs — makes the state especially attractive to operators eager to capture high-value customers.

“Day-one access could define market share for years,” said Chris Grove, a gaming industry consultant. “With DraftKings and Circa already locked in, the rest of the field is racing to finalize partnerships and compliance certifications.”

Regulatory & Market Outlook

The state has set a 10% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering revenue, along with licensing fees of $500,000 for online operators and $250,000 for retail sportsbooks, renewable every five years. While competitive compared to New York’s higher tax rate (51%), Missouri’s fees still represent a significant barrier to smaller players.

Industry analysts say the combination of casino-tethered licenses, team-affiliated opportunities, and national sportsbook brands should make Missouri one of the most competitive new markets in the Midwest.

Looking Ahead

With less than three months before launch, all eyes are on which providers will secure the remaining licenses and whether Missouri’s professional sports franchises will bring sportsbooks into their arenas. The outcome could reshape the state’s sports entertainment landscape — and set the stage for fierce battles over customer loyalty.