The deadline for applications for a Missouri sports betting license in time for the Dec. 1 rollout is Friday, and so far, seven companies have applied.
Key Takeaways
- Betting operators must submit applications by Sept. 12.
- Temporary licenses will be issued before the Dec. 1 launch.
- DraftKings, Caesars, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics are among seven to apply.
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) provided further clarity on the process, explaining the timescale involved.
"Submitting applications on time ensures they will be thoroughly reviewed and considered promptly," the MGC said in a statement. "Meeting this deadline allows for the issuance of temporary licenses, enabling Sports Wagering Suppliers to test and certify all necessary systems and equipment before the launch date."
Missouri’s market launch will miss the start of both the college football and NFL betting seasons. It is expected that residents will instead place bets in surrounding states where sports betting is legal, meaning tax revenue will continue to evade the state until December.
Seven operators have filed applications as of Sept. 5, with Circa and DraftKings leading the pack. Circa surprisingly beat out FanDuel to earn the state’s untethered operator designation in August. FanDuel, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Underdog applied for a tethered license.
Several market access agreements have been announced. Fanatics partnered with Boyd, BetMGM is working with Century Casinos, and bet365 is affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals. According to the Commission, however, neither bet365 nor BetMGM has submitted an application yet.
Meanwhile, in Illinois, a new per-wager sports betting tax was introduced, which could drive bettors to travel into neighboring Missouri to avoid the fee.
Google gives green light to Missouri sports betting ads
Google announced the opening of the Missouri sports betting ad market ahead of the December launch. Certified and licensed operators will be eligible to run ads on Google Ads after completing the formal certification process.
Advertisers must provide a range of documents before they can advertise, including details about licensing, company information, and website ownership, and show they are following responsible gambling standards.
This expansion mirrors Google’s prior state-by-state approach, following similar updates in Florida and Delaware. With Missouri’s population of roughly 6.2 million residents, the move gives licensed operators a significant opportunity to reach new customers, provided they navigate the complex regulatory and certification requirements.
Chiefs aim for another Super Bowl after February loss
Sports bettors in Missouri will be hoping for a chance to wager on another Kansas City Chiefs championship push after the team fell short in Super Bowl LIX.
The franchise has been in five of the last six Super Bowls, cementing its status as one of the NFL’s elite teams. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains the team's anchor and has drawn comparisons to the mid-2000s Tom Brady. After February’s defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs used the offseason to add to their roster, so fans will be hoping the club can get back once again.
