Missouri Sports Betting Market Expands with Three Proposals for Two Independent Licenses
Sports betting is set to make its debut in Missouri on December 1, 2025, following the passage of Amendment 2 in the November 2024 election. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will award two mobile sportsbook licenses, with applications due by September 12, 2025.
Three bidders have thrown their hats into the ring for the untethered (fully remote) sportsbook licenses: Circa Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel. These untethered licenses offer significant financial advantages as they allow the sportsbook operators to operate independently without revenue-sharing agreements with land-based partners.
The MGC will evaluate the bidders, with an announcement of the winners expected by August 15, 2025. While the exact evaluation criteria used by the MGC for these licenses are not detailed explicitly, it is standard to consider factors such as financial stability, technical infrastructure, compliance with regulatory requirements, and experience in sports betting markets.
FanDuel and DraftKings, with their established market presence and compliance capabilities, are considered heavy favorites.
Here's a breakdown of the bidders and their key advantages:
| Bidders | License Type | Key Advantage | |--------------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Circa Sportsbook | Untethered (fully remote) | High wagering limits, no revenue sharing | | DraftKings | Untethered | Large market share, financial strength | | FanDuel | Untethered | Large market share, compliance expertise |
Meanwhile, Penn Entertainment is expected to tether its ESPN Bet platform to Hollywood Casino St. Louis, while Caesars Sportsbook will be an affiliate of Horseshoe St. Louis. MGM Resorts, which does not have a casino in Missouri, has partnered with Century Casinos to secure its online sports betting entry.
Missouri, with over 6.2 million people, is considered a promising market for sportsbooks due to its proximity to Illinois, where a per-bet surcharge could make available odds worse and potentially drive some Illinoisans to Missouri. Oddsmakers will direct 10% of their win to the state, a rate far below the national sports betting tax of around 19%.
The MGC will award the two fully remote sports betting licenses next month, marking an exciting new chapter for sports fans in Missouri.
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- In Missouri, sports betting is scheduled to launch on December 1, 2025, following the approval of Amendment 2 in the 2024 election.
- The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) will award two mobile sportsbook licenses, with applications due by September 12, 2025.
- Three contenders – Circa Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel – have submitted bids for the untethered (fully remote) sportsbook licenses.
- These untethered licenses provide distinct financial benefits as they allow sportsbook operators to operate independently without revenue-sharing agreements with land-based partners.
- The MGC is anticipated to announce the winners of these licenses by August 15, 2025, considering factors such as financial stability, technical infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and market experience.
- FanDuel and DraftKings, with their sizable market shares and compliance expertise, are viewed as frontrunners in the bidding process.
- Circa Sportsbook stands out among the untethered contenders thanks to its high wagering limits and absence of revenue sharing.
- Penn Entertainment plans to link its ESPN Bet platform to Hollywood Casino St. Louis, while Caesars Sportsbook will be an affiliate of Horseshoe St. Louis.
- MGM Resorts, without a Missouri casino, has partnered with Century Casinos to establish its online sports betting presence in the state.
- With over 6.2 million residents, Missouri is considered an attractive market for sportsbooks, particularly due to its proximity to Illinois, where a per-bet surcharge may make odds less favorable and potentially lead some Illinoisans to Missouri.
- The MGC is on the verge of awarding the two fully remote sports betting licenses next month, opening a new era for sports enthusiasts in Missouri.
