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Missouri has officially entered the final phase of its long-awaited sports betting rollout, and the past seven days have delivered a flurry of developments—especially around the state’s two highly coveted untethered mobile sportsbook licenses.
With the application deadline now behind us, Missouri regulators are turning their attention toward background checks, public comments, and hearing preparations as the state aims to go live with online sports betting by December 1, 2025—the last allowable day under the ballot measure passed by voters last fall.
Here’s a full look at what happened this week, who’s in the mix, and what comes next as Missouri barrels toward its official launch.
Three Heavyweights Apply for Missouri’s Two Untethered Licenses
The most talked-about news from last week? FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports have all submitted applications for Missouri’s two untethered mobile sports betting licenses, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed.
These untethered licenses, also known as direct mobile licenses, allow trusted sportsbooks to operate independently in the state without requiring a partnership with a local casino or sports franchise. That means no revenue-sharing deals, no market access fees, and more flexibility to operate under their own brand.
The application period closed on Tuesday, July 15, and the MGC now begins its internal review process, which includes background checks and vetting of each applicant. Applicants will have the opportunity to present their case before the commission on August 13, with final decisions expected to be announced on August 15.
Missouri Gaming Commission Holds Public Hearing—No One Shows
As part of the regulatory process, the MGC held a public hearing on Thursday, July 17, to discuss its proposed sports betting rules. While the session was open to all stakeholders and consumers, no one from the public showed up to speak in person, according to MGC officials.
However, several online public comments were submitted earlier in the month, and those will be made part of the final orders that shape the rules moving forward. While the lack of public attendance surprised some, it may reflect a sense of confidence in the state’s approach—or simply the mid-summer timing.
The hearing marked one of the final steps before the full set of rules is adopted. The effective date for Missouri’s finalized sportsbook regulations is August 30.
What Happens If an Operator Doesn’t Get an Untethered License?
With three major companies vying for just two licenses, at least one big-name sportsbook will walk away empty-handed on August 15.
So what happens then?
According to regulators and industry analysts, any sportsbook that doesn’t obtain a standalone license still has a path to Missouri. They’ll need to partner with one of the state’s 13 casinos or six professional sports teams to apply for a “partnered” mobile license.
These partnered licenses are more traditional in structure—requiring a physical presence or market access agreement—but they remain a viable (and popular) path to market. The deadline to apply for partnered licenses is September 12.
Underdog, GLI, GeoComply Among Other Applicants
Outside of the untethered race, the MGC has also received license applications from several other companies looking to play a role in the Missouri sports betting ecosystem.
- Underdog, best known for its fantasy sports contests, has applied for a partnered mobile license—though it has yet to reveal which casino or team it intends to work with.
- GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) and GeoComply have both filed for supplier licenses, which are required for companies that provide technology, security, or testing services to sportsbooks.
- Catalist, a data provider, also filed a supplier application.
These companies are key behind-the-scenes players that help power the infrastructure of legal sports betting—from location verification to cybersecurity to odds management.
What Makes Missouri’s Model Unique?
Missouri’s split between partnered and untethered licenses makes it one of the more unique markets in the country.
- Untethered licenses (limited to two) allow sportsbooks to operate in the state without any local ties—no casinos, no stadium partnerships.
- Partnered licenses, which will make up the bulk of the market, require sportsbooks to align with either a Missouri casino or pro team.
The state is permitted to issue up to 14 online licenses and 19 retail licenses, allowing for a competitive, operator-rich market while maintaining regulatory control and oversight.
Key Dates Still to Come
Now that the application windows are closing, Missouri’s focus shifts to conducting background checks, presenting applicants, and obtaining final regulatory approvals. Here’s what’s next:
- August 13 – Public presentations from untethered license applicants before the MGC
- August 15 – Announcement of two selected untethered sportsbook operators
- August 30 – Official effective date of Missouri’s finalized sportsbook rules
- September 12 – Deadline for all other retail and partnered mobile license applications
- December 1 – Official statewide launch of legal sports betting
Weekly Wrap Up on Missouri Sports Betting News
With FanDuel, Circa Sports, and DraftKings now in the running, Missouri’s untethered license race just got a lot more competitive. And with a clean public hearing, strong regulatory momentum, and the final round of applications underway, the state is closer than ever to opening its digital betting doors.
Missouri’s next big date is August 15, when the MGC will reveal which two sportsbooks earned the right to operate untethered in what’s expected to be one of the most vibrant new markets of 2025. Until then, all eyes are on Jefferson City.
