Missouri is entering a pivotal stretch in its journey toward launching legal sports betting, with several significant updates unfolding over the past ten days.
With regulators, operators, and lawmakers now fully focused on the December 1, 2025, launch date, there’s growing momentum and growing opportunity for the Show-Me State.
Countdown to Launch: License Deadlines Near
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is currently in the thick of the licensing process. Untethered mobile license applications (those not connected to an in-state casino or sports franchise) are due by July 15, with public hearings scheduled for August 13. These licenses will be awarded just two days later, on August 15, giving the chosen operators a few months to prepare their platforms before the official go-live date.
Tethered applicants—those partnering with casinos or professional sports teams—have until September 12 to submit their applications. Once approved, all licenses will be announced simultaneously to ensure fairness and market readiness across all categories.
Missouri Gaming Commission Chair Jan Zimmerman recently reaffirmed that the December 1 date is firm, as outlined in the state’s constitutional amendment. She also noted a sharp uptick in applications, ranging from national powerhouses to smaller regional players.
Partnerships Take Shape
Over the past 10 days, key partnerships have emerged. The St. Louis Cardinals finalized a deal with bet365, positioning the British-based operator as an official betting partner of the MLB franchise. This move solidifies bet365’s chances of securing one of the two untethered licenses.
Meanwhile, BetMGM cemented its alliance with Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau. This enables BetMGM to enter the Missouri market under the tethered model, leveraging Century Casino’s in-state presence to meet regulatory requirements.
FanDuel and DraftKings also remain active in the Missouri discussion. Executives from both companies confirmed in earnings calls that they’re preparing to go live in Missouri in the final quarter of 2025. These brands were also major financial backers of the 2024 ballot measure that legalized sports betting.
Illinois Tax Hike Shifts Operator Focus to Missouri
Another recent development impacting Missouri’s betting landscape is the passage of a new tax hike in neighboring Illinois. The Illinois legislature approved a measure that applies a $0.25 fee to the first 20 million online bets made annually in the state and a $0.50 fee for each bet beyond that threshold.
This per-bet tax is forcing sportsbooks to reconsider their market strategies. Some have already begun exploring ways to offset the added cost, including smaller promotional budgets and slightly worse odds for Illinois users. Others, like FanDuel, have introduced customer-facing surcharges to cover the fees directly.
As a result, Missouri, set to launch with a simpler and more favorable tax framework, is now attracting even more attention from major operators. With no per-bet fees and a flat 10% tax on gross gaming revenue, Missouri offers a more predictable and business-friendly environment. That’s translating into a bigger investment, more aggressive marketing, and possibly better promotions for Missouri bettors when the market opens.
Tax Benefits for the State of Missouri
Missouri’s tax structure for sports betting is one of the most consumer- and operator-friendly in the region. It’s also designed to generate meaningful public revenue.
Here’s how the tax system is structured:
- Flat 10% Tax on Gross Gaming Revenue: All sports betting operators will be taxed at a flat 10% rate on their revenue. This simple, transparent structure stands in stark contrast to states like Illinois, where operators face progressive tax brackets and per-bet surcharges.
- Education and Problem Gambling Support: After covering regulatory expenses and funding the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, the remaining tax revenue will be appropriated to support education initiatives in Missouri. This aligns with the promise made to voters during the 2024 campaign to use gaming revenue for positive social impact.
- No Hidden Fees or Per-Bet Charges: Unlike Illinois, Missouri’s model avoids complicating the consumer experience. There are no hidden fees passed onto users per wager, and sportsbooks are not penalized for volume.
- Cross-Border Advantage: Missouri shares a 361-mile border with Illinois. If operators begin adjusting odds in Illinois due to tax hikes, it’s entirely possible that price-sensitive bettors will cross into Missouri for better lines. This could further boost Missouri’s tax revenue.
This tax structure strikes a balance between being business-attractive and revenue-generating. It’s already helping the state secure partnerships and investments while offering bettors a more transparent experience than what they might find across state lines.
What to Expect Next
With license deadlines approaching and regulatory frameworks nearly finalized, Missouri’s sports betting launch is on track. The following key dates are:
- July 15: Deadline for untethered mobile license applications
- August 13: Public hearings for untethered license candidates
- August 15: Announcement of untethered license winners
- September 12: Deadline for tethered license applications
- December 1: Missouri’s official retail and online sports betting launch
If everything stays on course, Missouri will be the only new state to legalize sports betting in 2025, making it a top priority for sportsbooks looking to expand.
With steady leadership from regulators, strong public backing, and a competitive tax structure, Missouri is positioning itself as a rising star in the national sports betting industry.
If you want to stay up to date and learn everything there is to MO entering the legal gambling plane, make sure to read our Missouri sports betting guide.
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