Missouri Opens Sports Betting License Applications on May 15

A Big Step for Missouri Betting

Operators can now apply for retail and mobile licenses, with deadlines stretching to September 12, though two untethered mobile licenses face a July 15 cutoff.

MGC officials aim for a full market launch by late fall, no later than December 1. After voters greenlit Amendment 2 on November 5, 2024, by a razor-thin 50.05% to 49.95%, Missouri’s ready to join the US betting market, with up to 14 licenses on the table.

The MGC’s rolling out a tight schedule. Applications for all licenses, retail, mobile, and two untethered mobile licenses, start today, May 15.

The untethered mobile licenses, not tied to casinos or sports teams, have a July 15 deadline, with decisions by August 15. Other licenses must be submitted by September 12, though some sources note an August 30 cutoff for initial filings.

From Vote to Victory: Legalization Journey

Missouri’s path to legal sports betting was a wild ride. Years of stalled legislative efforts, including a 2023 Senate flop, pushed advocates to go straight to voters.

The “Winning For Missouri Education” coalition, backed by FanDuel and DraftKings, collected 340,000 signatures, nearly double the 180,000 needed to put Amendment 2 on the November 2024 ballot.

Despite opposition from local casinos like Caesars, voters narrowly approved it, 50.05% to 49.95%, on November 5, certified December 5.

The amendment legalized online and retail betting for those 21 and older, tasking the MGC with regulation and setting a 10% tax on adjusted gross revenue to fund education and addiction programs.