The Show-Me State is finally ready to show its colors in the legalized betting world. In a landmark decision, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) issued temporary operating licenses to nine mobile sports betting operators on October 22, 2025, concluding a legislative saga that began with voter approval of Amendment 2 in November 2024.
This move clears the path for a statewide launch on December 1, 2025, just in time for the peak of the NFL and college football seasons. Missouri bettors can now look forward to a robust and competitive market right out of the gate.
The Nine Operators Ready to Launch
The MGC granted licenses to a mix of industry giants, established casino brands, and competitive new players. These nine operators are expected to account for over 90% of all legal bets placed nationwide, ensuring Missouri gets a premier selection from day one.
| Operator | License Type / Partner | Key Note |
| DraftKings | Untethered License | One of two operators not required to partner with a casino or team. |
| Circa Sports | Untethered License | Known for taking “sharp” action and offering competitive Vegas-style odds. |
| FanDuel | St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) | Secured market access via a key partnership after missing an untethered license. |
| BetMGM | Century Casinos | Partnered with Century Casino Cape Girardeau for market access. |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah’s Kansas City/Horseshoe St. Louis | Gained access via its parent company’s existing casino properties. |
| ESPN BET | PENN Entertainment (Hollywood/River City Casinos) | Will leverage PENN’s three in-state casinos for mobile and retail access. |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Boyd Gaming (Ameristar Casinos) | Expected to launch mobile and retail books at two Ameristar properties. |
| bet365 | St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) | Secured market access through a high-profile partnership with the Cardinals. |
| Underdog Sports | Kansas City Royals (MLB) | The fantasy sports giant will launch its sportsbook through an affiliation with the Royals. |
The Two Paths to Market Access
Missouri’s regulatory framework allows for up to 14 total mobile licenses, divided into two types:
- Untethered Licenses (2 Awarded): These went to DraftKings and Circa Sports. These operators are free to operate statewide without having to remit revenue to a specific local casino or professional team partner, offering a significant financial advantage.
- Tethered Licenses (7 Awarded): These licenses require the operator to secure a partnership with an existing Missouri casino or one of the state’s professional sports teams (such as the Chiefs, Cardinals, or St. Louis Blues).
The MGC’s approval of licenses to seven additional major operators—including the big names like FanDuel, BetMGM, and ESPN BET—signals that the market is officially set for a massive December launch.
Launch Timeline: Get Ready to Bet!
Missouri bettors have been crossing state lines for years, but that is about to end. The official timeline for the launch is:
- November 17, 2025: Pre-registration begins. Bettors will be allowed to download apps, sign up for accounts, and make deposits to be ready for launch day.
- December 1, 2025: Statewide Go-Live. Legal online and retail sports betting begins at 12:01 a.m.
This final regulatory step validates the push to bring Missouri into the legal sports betting column, ensuring its residents can finally bet legally on major events from the comfort of their homes or at retail locations across the state.
