- Fanatics Sportsbook is the latest operator to apply for a Missouri sports betting license
- The operator applied for both an online and retail sports betting license
- Five operators have submitted license applications so far
The potential Missouri sports betting landscape is starting to round into shape.
The Missouri Gaming Commission confirmed it received a fifth application for a sports betting license in the Show-Me State, as Fanatics Sportsbook has officially applied for both an online and retail sports betting license.
In total, the Missouri Gaming Commission can issue up to 19 retail sports betting licenses and up to 14 online sports betting licenses.
Missouri Sports Betting to Launch Dec. 1
The Missouri Gaming Commission is currently accepting sports betting license applications from operators who are partnering with state casinos or professional sports franchises. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 12.
It is on track to launch sports betting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
Fanatics Sportsbook is applying for both partnered online and retail sports betting licenses. However, the company has yet to reveal its market access partner.
The sports betting operator is currently live in 22 states, plus Washington, D.C.
So far, the Missouri Gaming Commission has received three applications for its two available untethered online sports betting licenses. Circa Sports, DraftKings, and FanDuel are angling for untethered licenses.
Untethered license holders do not have to partner with any other entity in the state to do business, therefore do not have to share revenues with their market access partner. The commission will award the licenses on Aug. 15. The three applicants can also appear before the commission on Aug. 13 to present their case as to why they should be awarded an untethered license.
Underdog has also submitted an application for an online sports betting license. It has yet to announce its market access partner.
Here is the remaining Missouri sports betting schedule:
- Aug. 13: Applicants for direct online sports betting licenses may appear before Missouri Gaming Commission
- Aug. 15: Missouri Gaming Commission announces two selected direct online sports betting license applicants
- Sept. 12: All other partnered retail and online sports betting license applications must be completed
- Dec. 1: Deadline for the launch of Missouri sports betting
The commission has also received five applications for sports betting supplier licenses. Catalist, GLI, GeoComply, OpticOdds, and Sportradar have submitted applications for these licenses.
Necessary Regulatory Steps Being Taken
The Missouri Gaming Commission recently held a public hearing on its proposed sports betting rules and regulations. Dozens of rules were brought up for discussion, but nobody from the public commented.
While comments were submitted online, a Missouri Gaming Commission spokesperson said they will eventually be shared in the state’s final sports betting orders.
The necessary step was required after Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the commission’s proposed emergency sports betting rules and regulations earlier this year.
The Missouri Gaming Commission delivered the proposed sports betting rules to the Missouri governor’s office in February. However, Hoskins determined after a review of the rules they did not meet the specific criteria for Missouri’s emergency rulemaking process and rejected the proposal.
Historically, lawmakers have typically approved emergency rules for sports betting to allow a state to stay on track for a desired launch date.
Robert is an expert on sports betting in the United States, specifically the legalization process and regulation surrounding the industry.
