Missouri Sports Betting Market Takes Shape as Nine Major Operators Apply for Licenses
The landscape of Missouri’s upcoming sports betting market has come into sharp focus, with nine of the nation’s largest online operators submitting applications for mobile licenses by the state’s September 12 deadline. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) reported receiving a massive influx of applications, with a total of 734 submissions from a wide range of companies, including mobile and retail operators, as well as technology and data suppliers.
The “Who’s Who” of U.S. Sports Betting
The list of mobile license applicants reads like a “who’s who” of the U.S. sports betting industry. In addition to the two operators who have already been awarded the state’s standalone mobile licenses, DraftKings and Circa Sports, the following seven companies have also thrown their hats in the ring:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Penn Entertainment (ESPN Bet)
- Underdog
Many of these operators have already secured market access through partnerships with the state’s professional sports teams and existing casino properties, setting the stage for a robust and multi-faceted market that will include both online and in-person betting options.
A Deep Bench of Retail and Supplier Applicants
Beyond the headline mobile operators, the MGC received applications from a wide range of companies that will form the backbone of the state’s sports betting ecosystem.
Several major operators are planning a significant retail presence. Caesars, Fanatics, and Penn Entertainment have all applied for retail licenses, with plans to open branded sportsbooks at their existing or partner casino properties.
The list of supplier applicants is equally impressive, featuring a host of global and domestic leaders in betting technology, data, and integrity monitoring. Companies like Kambi, Sportradar, GeoComply, and the International Betting Integrity Association have all submitted applications, a clear sign of a mature and well-supported market infrastructure.
Notably, a few well-known national brands, including BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet, were not on the initial list of applicants, though the MGC has stated it will accept applications that were postmarked by the deadline.
The Path to a December 1 Launch
With the application window now closed, the focus shifts to the MGC’s review and approval process. The commission is scheduled to meet on September 23-24 to review the applications and hear from the prospective licensees.
The timeline for the market launch is an aggressive one:
- October 22: The MGC is expected to announce all licensed entities.
- November 17: Licensed operators who have their internal controls approved will be allowed to begin accepting customer deposits.
- December 1: This is the target date for the official, statewide launch of legal sports betting.
The massive number of applications and the strong presence of the industry’s most established players all but guarantee that Missouri will be one of the most competitive and closely watched new market launches of the year.
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