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The wait is finally over. After years of debate, close calls, and plenty of anticipation, the Missouri sports betting launch is officially on the calendar.
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) approved temporary licenses for ten sportsbooks, giving the green light for a December 1, 2025, debut.
This will be the first new sports betting market to open in the US since North Carolina’s rollout in March 2024. For Missouri fans, it means that betting on the Chiefs, Cardinals, Blues, or Tigers won’t require a quick trip across state lines anymore.
The Lineup: Who Made the Cut
The MGC’s approvals read like a who’s who of the sports betting world. Ten operators got the nod Wednesday night: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, Kambi, Penn Entertainment (ESPN Bet), and Underdog.
Every operator that submitted its paperwork before the September 12 deadline received approval. Along with them, key suppliers like GeoComply, Genius Sports, BMM Testlabs, and Integrity Compliance 360 were also cleared to operate. These back-end partners handle everything from player location checks to game integrity and security testing.
According to the MGC, temporary licenses let these companies test their systems and equipment before the official launch. Full licenses will follow after regulators finalize reviews over the next few weeks.
From Ballot Box to Betting Apps
Missouri’s road to legal sports betting sites has been a long one. Voters narrowly approved the measure in November 2024, setting the stage for what will become the country’s 33rd legal betting jurisdiction.
Since then, regulators have been busy crafting rules, reviewing applications, and ensuring the new market launches without a hitch. The state’s framework allows for 21 digital sportsbooks—two of which can operate independently (untethered) and 19 that must partner with a casino or professional sports team.
The untethered licenses went to DraftKings and Circa Sports earlier this year, freeing them from the revenue-sharing deals tied to local partnerships. Everyone else needed an in-state partner to get access to Missouri bettors.
Missouri’s Sportsbook Matchups
Here’s how the partnerships shake out ahead of launch:
- Bet365 – Partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals
- BetMGM – Partnered with Century Casinos
- Caesars Sportsbook – Operates through Caesars Resorts
- ESPN Bet (Penn Entertainment) – Uses Penn’s own casino properties
- Fanatics Sportsbook – Partnered with Boyd Gaming
- FanDuel – Linked to St. Louis City SC (MLS)
- Underdog – Partnered with the Kansas City Royals
- Kambi – Approved, but partner remains undisclosed
Those partnerships will be critical for connecting fans to familiar local brands. A Royals fan opening the Underdog app or a Cardinals supporter betting through bet365 can feel a little more at home when placing their first wagers.
Countdown to Kickoff
Now that approvals are locked in, operators have about five weeks to wrap up testing and marketing before go-live. Sportsbooks can start signing up players and taking deposits on November 17, a two-week pre-registration period that’s expected to be packed with promotions.
Every major operator will be fighting for early attention, so bettors can expect a wave of sign-up bonuses, free bets, and early access offers once pre-registration opens.
The MGC still needs to approve each operator’s internal controls and house rules before launch, but that’s procedural primarily at this point. Once the paperwork clears, the floodgates open at 12:01 a.m. on December 1.
Why Missouri’s Launch Matters
Missouri’s entry into the sports betting scene is more than just another state going live. Its location makes it uniquely positioned to impact multiple surrounding markets.
Kansas and Illinois both already allow online betting, and both border Missouri’s two biggest sports cities—Kansas City and St. Louis. That means many Missourians who’ve been traveling across state lines to wager will finally be able to stay home and bet legally.
A Few Names Missing
While most of the major players made the first cut, a few noticeable brands are sitting this one out. BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet didn’t appear on the approved list.
A spokesperson for Rush Street Interactive, which operates BetRivers, said the company has no plans to launch in Missouri “at this time.”
That leaves more room for the approved ten to build loyal customer bases before any late arrivals try to join the party.
Perfect Timing for Sports Fans
The December 1 launch couldn’t have come at a better time. The NFL betting season will be heating up, the college bowl season will be on deck, and both the NBA and NHL will be in full swing.
It’s a sports bettor’s dream stretch of the calendar, and Missouri’s timing ensures plenty of action right out of the gate. The Chiefs and Royals dominate Kansas City sports, while St. Louis fans will have the Blues and Cardinals to rally around year-round.
Whether you’re betting a few bucks on a Chiefs moneyline or backing your favorite NHL prop, Missouri will soon offer plenty of ways to play.
