Missouri Gaming Commission Receives First Online Sports Betting License Applications

• The Missouri Gaming Commission tells Sports Betting Dime it has received two online sports betting license applications
• Underdog and DraftKings submitted the first two applications
• Missouri sports betting will launch on Dec. 1, 2025

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The Missouri Gaming Commission has received its first two online sports betting license applications.

A spokesperson for the commission reported to Sports Betting Dime that it has received online sports betting license applications from DraftKings and Underdog. It is unknown if either application is for a tethered or untethered license in the state.

Missouri sports betting apps will launch on Dec. 1, 2025.

14 Missouri Online Sports Betting Licenses Available

Staci Stern, senior vice president of government affairs and partnerships of Underdog, told Sports Betting Dime the company enjoys a well-established relationship with Missouri gaming regulators.

“We’ve had a longstanding and collaborative relationship with the gaming commission, including securing a license for our fantasy sports offerings in the state. We’ve submitted a strong application for a sports betting license and look forward to continuing to work closely with the commission throughout the review process,” she said.

DraftKings declined to comment on the application.

The Missouri Gaming Commission opened its sports betting license application process on May 15. The entirety of online and brick-and-mortar sports betting applications will have to be submitted to the commission by Sept. 12, but untethered online sports betting applications are due in July.

Here is the full Missouri sports betting schedule:

• May 15: Licensing application period officially opens
• July 15: Licensing applications due for direct (untethered) online sports betting licenses
• Aug. 13: Applicants for direct online sports betting licenses may appear before Missouri Gaming Commission
• Aug. 15: Missouri Gaming Commission announces two selected direct online sports betting license applicants
• Sept. 12: All other partnered retail and online sports betting license applications must be completed
• Dec. 1: Deadline for the launch of Missouri sports betting

In total, the commission will be allowed to issue up to 19 retail sports betting licenses and up to 14 online sports betting licenses under the approved framework.

Market Access Partnerships Rounding into Shape

Both DraftKings and Underdog declined to reveal who their market access partners will be for Missouri, or if they are applying for one of two untethered online sports betting licenses.

Only two license holders can enter the market without a partnership. They will be announced on Aug. 15, but will launch on the same date as every other license holder. The remaining retail and online sports betting license holders will have to agree to partnerships to enter the market.

BetMGM recently confirmed its market access partner for the Show-Me state, announcing a partnership with Century Casinos in late May. If awarded a license, the partnership will allow BetMGM Missouri to operate its online sports betting platform in Missouri, while also operating brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at Century’s discretion.

The agreement will include a percentage of BetMGM’s net gaming revenue payable to Century, which includes a guaranteed minimum.

“We are excited to partner with BetMGM, a leading online sports betting and gaming entertainment company with a dynamic and innovative brand,” said Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Century Casinos, in a press release. “This partnership is another step forward in leveraging our Missouri licenses and delivering premium entertainment experiences for our customers.”

bet365 Missouri and the St. Louis Cardinals entered into a sports betting partnership in March. The multi-year partnership will provide the sports betting operator with access to the yet-to-be-launched Missouri sports betting market.

FanDuel will also undoubtedly pursue a license. The sports betting behemoth, along with DraftKings, donated millions to the campaign to place the successful sports betting voting referendum on the 2024 election ballot.