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The state of Missouri is less than six months away from launching its long-anticipated sports betting industry on December 1, 2025. Over the past week, developments have come quickly and with major implications for both sports and gaming in the state.
From major pro sports franchises navigating stadium deals to leading sportsbooks jumping into the licensing process, the Show-Me State is now in full prep mode.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important Missouri sports betting news from the last seven days.
DraftKings and Underdog File First Official License Applications
On June 27, DraftKings and Underdog Fantasy officially became the first two sportsbooks to apply for operating licenses in Missouri.
The Missouri Gaming Commission opened its application process earlier this year. While many top operators are expected to enter the market, DraftKings and Underdog wasted no time in leading the charge.
This wasn’t a surprising move for DraftKings, which had been heavily involved in lobbying efforts for legalization in Missouri last year. The company already operates in several neighboring states like Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa, making the Missouri expansion a natural next step. With its high-rated mobile app and strong national brand, DraftKings is expected to be among the first to receive regulatory approval.
Underdog Fantasy’s application signals a broader shift as well. While known primarily for daily fantasy sports, Underdog has made moves into real-money sports betting in recent months and seems poised to be one of Missouri’s early live operators on launch day.
BetMGM, bet365 Strengthen Market Presence Through Strategic Partnerships
This week, it was also confirmed that BetMGM and Bet365 have both taken significant steps to establish a presence in the state of Missouri.
BetMGM has secured a deal with Century Casinos, one of Missouri’s land-based operators. This gives BetMGM a path to launch both a retail and mobile sportsbook in the state. As one of the top sportsbook operators nationally, BetMGM’s presence brings substantial competition and added legitimacy to Missouri’s early betting market.
Meanwhile, bet365 has aligned itself with the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming the first sportsbook to partner with a Missouri-based professional team. This partnership could open the door for unique promotional opportunities tied to Cardinals games and eventually lead to a branded retail sportsbook inside Busch Stadium.
These partnerships are laying the foundation for what’s expected to be a competitive field of up to 14 sportsbook licenses by the time Missouri goes live.
Kansas City Chiefs, Royals Stadium Deadlines Loom as State Weighs Incentives
While top US sportsbooks are maneuvering for access, Missouri’s two biggest sports franchises, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, are also in the spotlight this week due to ongoing stadium negotiations that could dramatically alter the local sports landscape.
On June 30, the Chiefs requested an extension from the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council for a state-backed stadium financing package. A meeting is now scheduled for Monday, July 7, at which both the Chiefs and Royals will learn whether Kansas will extend the deadline and further entertain stadium relocation talks.
Both franchises currently play at the Truman Sports Complex in Jackson County, but their leases expire in 2031. Missouri voters rejected a sales tax measure in 2024 that would have helped fund renovations and a new Royals ballpark district downtown.
In a new twist, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently called a special legislative session to pass a financing package that includes up to 50% bond funding and $50 million in tax credits for each team’s stadium projects. The Royals have already stated that they will not renew their lease at Kauffman Stadium after 2031, which means that if no new deal is made, a move to Kansas remains a real threat.
Could Missouri Sports Betting Revenue Play a Role in Stadium Talks?
With Missouri’s sports betting industry expected to generate around $29 million annually, there’s speculation that some of this new revenue could support stadium financing talks, especially as teams look for additional sources of local backing.
While the bulk of betting tax dollars will go toward education and problem gambling prevention, the Chiefs and Royals could benefit from on-site retail sportsbooks at their stadiums. This would generate another revenue stream that may boost the appeal of remaining in Missouri.
Next Up: Application Deadlines and Final License Decisions
With applications for untethered sportsbook licenses due by July 15, the next two weeks will be critical for any operator without an existing Missouri partner. Those selected will appear before the Gaming Commission on August 13, and decisions will be made by August 15.
The final deadline for all remaining sportsbook operators to apply is September 12, giving brands like FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and ESPN BET time to officially enter the fray.
Looking Ahead: Launch Day in Sight
The countdown is officially on. With operators like DraftKings and Underdog submitting their paperwork, BetMGM and bet365 forging significant partnerships, and Kansas City’s pro teams inching toward high-stakes decisions, Missouri’s sports betting scene is beginning to take shape.
