Sports enthusiasts Fanatics have obtained a license to operate as a sportsbook in Missouri, making them the latest entrant in the rapidly growing market.
Missouri residents aged 21 and over will be able to participate in sports betting, both online and in-person, starting from December 1, 2025. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has been actively working on finalising regulations and awarding licenses for this highly anticipated event.
Companies Involved and Partnerships
A number of prominent sportsbooks are expected to operate in Missouri, including Bally Bet, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, Underdog Sports, DraftKings, BetRivers, and FanDuel. Some operators, such as Century Casinos, are partnering with established sportsbooks like BetMGM Missouri, pending approval.
FanDuel plans to gain market access through partnerships with professional sports teams or Missouri casinos. Two "untethered" licenses (not affiliated with casinos or teams) have been awarded to DraftKings and Circa Sports.
Licensing Process
The MGC opened the application window for licenses on May 15, 2025. Applications for direct mobile licenses were due by July 15, 2025, with presentations to the commission by August 13 and license announcements by August 15. The full deadline for all retail and mobile sports betting license applications is September 12, 2025.
Up to 14 sports betting licenses will be issued, including mobile and retail licenses. There may be up to 21 operators in total. Sports wagering supplier licenses have also been granted or requested by companies such as Catalist, GLI, GeoComply, OpticOdds, Sportradar, and SportsContentCo to support operations in Missouri.
Key Dates
- November 5, 2024: Voters approved sports betting (Amendment 2).
- February 2025: Proposed emergency rules were rejected.
- May 15, 2025: License application window opened.
- July 15, 2025: Deadline for direct mobile license applications.
- August 13-15, 2025: Presentations and license announcements for direct mobile licenses.
- September 12, 2025: Deadline for all other license applications.
- December 1, 2025: Sports betting launch date.
Fanatics has formally gained a license in Missouri, making it the fifth company to do so. Fanatics is the only operator seeking both a land-based and a mobile license in Missouri. The company is expanding into Missouri and will operate a sportsbook in the state.
Missouri is the 24th jurisdiction in the United States where Fanatics has expanded. Fanatics may team up with an established land-based casino or a local professional sports team for its Missouri operations. The identity of Fanatics' local sponsor in Missouri is yet to be determined.
Due to the limited availability of mobile licenses, companies in Missouri may need to have a backup plan. Having access to brick-and-mortar venues could be beneficial in a future with potential advertising restrictions. Another meeting with applicants for untethered licenses is scheduled for August 13. Untethered licenses generate the majority of sports betting handle in many companies.
Sources: [1] Missouri Gaming Commission [2] Legal Sports Report [3] Sports Handle [4] PlayUSA
