Sportsbooks can now apply for licenses to offer Missouri sports betting markets after the application period opened today, with the deadline closing for operators on Sept. 12.
Key takeaways
- The license application window closes on Sept. 12.
- Missouri voters passed a measure to legalize sports betting this past November.
- The industry launch date is set for Dec. 1, 2025.
The Missouri Gaming Commission made the announcement following the unanimous approval of a resolution drafted Tuesday that approved the licensing process. The resolution passed after Gov. Mike Kehoe's office reviewed it.
Sports betting passed in constitutional amendment
The licensing period opens roughly six months after Missouri voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment legalizing sports betting. The measure passed by less than half a percentage point, with a margin of less than 7,500 votes.
According to the amendment, the state's sports betting sector has to be ready to launch by Dec. 1, 2025. Operators will pay a 10% wagering tax, which will mostly go toward funding education programs throughout the state.
The delay in setting up the licensing system was largely due to the new Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. Hoskins publicly opposed sports betting when he was in the Missouri state legislature.
In February, he denied the Commission's attempt to accelerate the process.
Regulators and sportsbook operators hoped the sector would be up and running in time for the NFL season's start in September. That won't happen now, as licensing rules don't take effect until Aug. 30, leaving insufficient time.
Untethered licenses
Missouri license applications have two deadlines. The deadline for the two proposed ‘untethered’ sportsbook licenses, known as Direct Mobile Licenses, is July 15. The companies that applied will have a hearing on Aug. 13, and the successful applicants will be announced on Aug. 15.
The other retail and mobile licenses have a longer application window until Sept. 12. Although licensing rules don't officially take effect until the end of August, the Commission opened applications at this stage to give applicants time to prepare their paperwork.
All 13 of the state's casinos and excursion gambling boats may apply for licenses to offer sports betting, and all six of Missouri’s pro sports teams will be allowed to host retail sports betting outlets at or near their stadiums.
Prior to the opening of license applications, the MLB team St. Louis Cardinals partnered with sportsbook bet365 to become the team’s official sports betting partner. The collaboration grants the operator access to a sports wagering license when the market opens at the end of the year.
