Nine Operators Receive Temporary Online Sports Betting Licenses in Missouri
Missouri Gaming Commission Issues Licenses to Nine Online Sports Betting Operators
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has granted temporary licenses to nine online sports betting companies as part of its preparations to launch regulated sports wagering in Missouri. This significant step paves the way for sports betting to go live in the state by December of this year.
Authorized Operators and Their Partnerships
This milestone follows several years of legislative efforts to introduce legal sports betting in Missouri. The nine licensed operators include BetMGM, bet365, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Underdog. These companies have received temporary approval to start preparations for entering the Missouri market.
Notably, seven of these operators obtained their licenses by collaborating with established Missouri-based entities. For example, BetMGM formed a partnership with Century Casinos in May, while bet365 gained access through an agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier in March.
FanDuel will operate in Missouri through its alliance with the Major League Soccer team St. Louis City SC. Fanatics Sportsbook partnered with Boyd Gaming to secure their entry into the market.
Other companies like ESPN Bet and Caesars Sportsbook are leveraging their parent companies’ existing casino properties such as Hollywood Casino, River City Casino, Harrah’s Kansas City, and Horseshoe St. Louis. Underdog entered the market by teaming up with the Kansas City Royals baseball team.
In contrast, DraftKings and Circa Sports obtained untethered licenses earlier in the year, allowing them to operate independently without relying on in-state casinos or professional sports teams.
Preparations and Challenges Ahead Before Launch
Although these nine operators have secured temporary licenses ahead of the December 1 official launch date, several tasks must still be completed. The Missouri Gaming Commission is expected to finalize sports betting regulations on November 30, just one day before wagering opens. Any required adjustments to internal controls and house rules will need to be submitted before this deadline.
The MGC may authorize up to 19 retail sports betting licenses and 14 online licenses in the future, but it is uncertain if this full allocation will be issued. Supporting such a wide array of operators could saturate the market, possibly making it difficult for all businesses to thrive. User account registration and funding by operators can commence starting at midnight November 17, provided they comply with all regulations.
Concerns have arisen about the market’s sustainability. Missouri’s population stands at approximately 6.24 million, and competition among multiple operators, coupled with tax and financial requirements, plus competition from neighboring states that offer legal sports betting, might create a crowded marketplace. This scenario raises questions regarding the long-term profitability and stability of sports betting in Missouri.
