Fanatics Sportsbook hopes to expand into the Show-Me State when sports betting launches Dec. 1.
Key takeaways
- Fanatics Sportsbook wants expand into its 24th U.S. sports betting jurisdiction.
- The Missouri Gaming Commission provided a list of operator and provider applicants.
- Sept. 12 is the deadline to apply, with temporary licenses shortly after, so sportsbooks can complete the necessary testing requirements by the Dec. 1 launch.
Missouri Gaming Commission Public Relations Coordinator Elizabeth Hoffman confirmed with Covers Wednesday that Fanatics applied for an online and retail sports wagering license, the fifth operator to formally send the regulatory agency a request.
Fanatics currently operates in 23 U.S states, including Missouri-neighboring Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Kansas.
The company hasn't publicly named a potential partner, but didn't apply for one of the two untethered mobile licenses available. Fanatics can gain access by partnering with a land-based casino or professional sports team.
Applicant list
Untethered license holders will be able to operate in the Show-Me State without paying partner fees or sharing revenue.
Here’s an updated list the MGC provided of operators who completed the application process:
- FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports applied for an untethered license.
- Underdog applied for a mobile license.
- Catalist, a data provider, applied for a Sports Wagering Supplier's license.
- GLI, an independent testing lab, applied for a Sports Wagering Supplier's License.
- GeoComply applied for a Sports Wagering Supplier's License.
- OpticOdds, Inc., a data provider, applied for a Sports Wagering Supplier’s License.
- Sportradar applied for a Sports Wagering Supplier’s License.
- Fanatics applied for both retail and mobile sports wagering.
Getting in the other way
BetMGM already partnered with Century Casinos to provide retail and online sports betting in Missouri, while bet365 signed a deal with MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals to gain market access.
ESPN BET is poised to join the mix through PENN Entertainment’s already-operating in-person casinos. Last week, the gaming company that runs the ESPN-branded platform posted job openings for a retail sportsbook.
Caesars and Bally Bet also operate land-based casinos in Missouri. Other potential operators that could enter the market through partnerships include Hard Rock Bet and Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers).
Coming soon
The MGC will hold meetings with untethered applicants on Aug. 13. The regulatory agency will then select and announce the two mobile-only licensees on Aug. 15.
Sportsbooks with casino or team partnerships have until Sept. 12 to complete the application process. The MGC looks to award temporary licenses shortly after, so operators and providers can pass necessary testing requirements in time for an early December launch.
