Missouri Sports Bettying Application Process Kicks off, Shaping Timeline for Licenses
Readying for Action: Missouri's Sports Betting Market Heats Up
Missourians can finally put their bets on regulated sports betting, as the state moves closer to a December 1 launch. The Missouri Gaming Commission has officially kicked off applications for sportsbook licenses, signaling the beginning of a thrilling journey for the Show-Me State.
Racing Against Time: Application Process in Full Swing
Sportsbook operators jostle for a piece of the action as the application window swings open. The Commission announced the commencement of licensing applications this week, with a September 12 deadline ahead for most operators. The Commission's expedited approval came after a review by Governor Mike Kehoe's office.
Operators aspiring for the two lucrative "untethered" Direct Mobile Licenses face an even tougher battle. These applications must be submitted by July 15, with hearings scheduled for August 13, and the fortunate winners announced just two days later on August 15.
Though licensing rules won't officially take effect until August 30, the proactive Gaming Commission opened the application window early to ensure ample preparation time for operators, alleviating potential delays. "We've structured the application timeline to ensure a smooth launch by our constitutional deadline," a Commission representative stated.
13 Casinos and 6 Sports Teams: The Playing Field
The state's gambling framework, passed by voters last year, grants all 13 casinos and six professional sports teams the opportunity to apply for sports betting licenses. Expect big names like FanDuel, DraftKings, ESPN BET, and BetMGM to join the fray, with major operators already expressing interest in the market.
Exciting collaborations are already taking shape, with MLB's St. Louis Cardinals partnering with bet365, granting the operator access to a sports wagering license once the market opens.
Navigating Political Challenges and Launch Timeline
Missouri's road to legal sports betting has proven rocky. A narrow victory, with a margin of fewer than 7,500 votes, underscored the contentious nature of gambling expansion in the state. Complicating matters, former Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delayed the process initially intended for a summer launch by opposing the Commission's emergency rule attempts.
This setback forced a shift to a December launch, making Missouri bettors miss out on the majority of the NFL season. However, they'll still be able to wager on the final month of regular season games, including the prime-time matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on December 7. The delay will also cover the entire NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, and most of the NBA and NHL seasons.
The Chiefs, who championed legalization, are expected to celebrate the launch, despite the postponement. The team's recent success, including multiple Super Bowl victories, has raised enthusiasm for sports wagering across the state.
Supporting Education and Responsible Gaming
Nine percent of sports betting revenue will go towards education programs, making Missouri's tax rate competitive within the broader sports betting landscape. The Gaming Commission stresses its commitment to maintaining a responsible gaming environment, ensuring consumer protections and problem gambling resources are in place from day one.
Missouri residents have their sights set on the December 1 launch, marking the end of years of waiting and the advent of a new form of entertainment and engagement with their favorite sports. Stay tuned for more updates on Missouri's regulated sports betting landscape as the big day approaches!
- Sportsbook operators across the state are eagerly preparing to submit their applications for sports betting licenses, given the September 12 deadline set by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
- Operators aiming for the "untethered" Direct Mobile Licenses, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, ESPN BET, and BetMGM, face a more competitive battle, as they must submit their applications by July 15.
- With the December 1 launch approaching, sports betting favorites like the favorite NFL team, Kansas City Chiefs, and popular online sports betting platforms like bet365, are gearing up to be part of Missouri's sports betting market.
