Share 
Dec. 1 is shaping up to be a big day in Missouri. After years of debate, court challenges, and political maneuvering, sports betting is finally set to go live. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has already confirmed at least 10 operators for launch day, with the possibility of more joining the mix in the coming weeks.
Players across the state will soon be able to sign up, claim promos, and place their first bets — but the process isn’t finished yet. There are still deadlines to hit, partnerships to sort out, and even a few big names whose status in the state is uncertain.
Let’s take a look at where things stand right now, what happens next, and which legal US sportsbooks might still be left on the outside looking in.
The Day One Missouri Sportsbook Lineup
The initial list of approved operators includes a blend of household names and some newer players trying to grab market share. Seven sportsbooks were already confirmed heading into the final application deadline:
- Caesars
- Circa
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- Underdog
By the end of the week, three more had joined the official list: Bet365, BetMGM, and Kambi. That brings the day-one tally to at least 10 sportsbooks ready to open their doors on Dec. 1.
For Missouri sports betting fans, that means access to almost all of the top-tier options available in other states. Whether you’re looking for big-name brands like DraftKings and FanDuel or intrigued by newer platforms such as Underdog, the menu will be loaded from the start.
Why DraftKings and Circa Stand Out
Most sportsbooks entering Missouri are doing so through partnerships with local casinos or professional sports teams. DraftKings and Circa, however, don’t need a partner. Both were awarded “untethered” licenses by the MGC earlier this summer.
That distinction matters because untethered operators avoid the revenue-sharing requirements that tethered operators face. While Caesars or BetMGM have to split profits with their Missouri-based casino partners, DraftKings and Circa can keep everything in-house.
The competition between these operators should be interesting to watch. Circa is known for catering to sharp bettors and setting aggressive odds, while DraftKings already has one of the largest customer bases in the country.
Missouri bettors will soon see how those different approaches play out in a fresh market.
The Road to Launch: Deadlines Still Ahead
While the Sept. 12 application deadline was a major milestone. Even though the MGC reported a total of 1,113 applicants, that was just the beginning.
Operators that want to launch on Dec. 1 must now meet a series of additional requirements.
- House Rules and Controls: Sportsbooks have until Sept. 26 to submit their house rules and internal control details to the commission. These documents cover everything from dispute resolution to how bets are graded.
- Temporary Licenses: The MGC expects to issue temporary licenses on Oct. 22, giving sportsbooks the official green light to prepare for launch.
- Pre-Registration: Players will be able to create accounts and take advantage of early sign-up promos starting at midnight on Nov. 17. That gives operators two weeks to build a customer base before the first bets are placed.
Each of these deadlines matters. Missing one could mean sitting out the launch and waiting weeks — or even months — to enter the market.
Sportsbooks Still in Limbo
Even with 10 names already confirmed, the Missouri market isn’t quite settled. Several high-profile operators have not yet committed to the state.
BetRivers is one of the biggest missing pieces. Parent company Rush Street Interactive has decided not to pursue a license in Missouri, citing the lack of a casino presence in the state. That’s a surprise, considering BetRivers has been quick to enter other new markets.
Hard Rock Bet is another notable absence. While Hard Rock has casinos and sportsbooks in several states, it hasn’t made a move in Missouri yet. Whether that’s a temporary delay or a longer-term decision remains unclear.
Underdog also still has question marks. The company has secured its license, but it hasn’t confirmed which local partner it will align with. With big-name teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Blues, and Kansas City Royals still unattached, there’s a lot of speculation about who might step in.
Sports Teams and Casino Partners Take Center Stage
Missouri’s sports betting law created two pathways for market entry: tethered licenses that require a partnership with a casino or sports franchise, and untethered licenses awarded to a limited number of operators.
The tethered route has already led to some interesting pairings. FanDuel partnered with St. Louis City SC, the state’s Major League Soccer team. Bet365 partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals, gaining access to a massive fan base. BetMGM struck a deal with Century Casinos, opening the door to potential retail sportsbooks at casino properties.
Meanwhile, Caesars and PENN Entertainment (via ESPN Bet) are sticking with their own casino holdings, running retail sportsbooks alongside their online products. Fanatics has teamed up with Boyd Gaming, ensuring both online and in-person betting options.
These deals are important not just for regulatory compliance but also for marketing. Aligning with a beloved sports team or a popular casino gives operators instant credibility in a new state.
Market Outlook: Big Numbers Expected
Once sports betting officially kicks off, the Missouri market is expected to be massive. Legal Sports Report projects up to $4.5 billion in annual wagers, generating around $500 million in gross revenue.
With a 10% tax rate, that means the state could see a significant boost to its coffers.
Those estimates put Missouri in line with neighboring states like Iowa and Illinois, which have seen strong numbers since launching sports betting. The state’s central location and loyal fan bases for teams like the Chiefs and Cardinals only add to the potential.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
The march to Dec. 1 is far from over. Here are a few storylines worth keeping an eye on:
- Will additional sportsbooks apply late? Applications postmarked Sept. 12 are still being processed, allowing more names to be added to the list.
- Which partner will Underdog choose? The answer could shape its marketing strategy and determine how competitive it can be in Missouri.
- Will any operators miss deadlines? The MGC’s timeline is strict, and any misstep could push launch dates back.
With so much money and attention on the line, the next two months will be just as crucial as the years of work that have led to this point.
