Missouri Sports Betting Market Opens for Business

The Pre-Launch Licensing Phase

Regulators spent the past year establishing the rulebook for this new industry. The MGC had to finalize operational guidelines and issue licenses before the December 1 deadline.

A key part of this setup involved distributing two specific “untethered” licenses. These permits allow companies to operate mobile books without partnering with a physical casino or sports team.

The commission awarded these coveted standalone licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports in August 2025. The selection of Circa Sports surprised industry observers, as FanDuel was a primary contender.

Circa secured its spot by emphasizing its business model, which accepts high-limit wagers and does not limit sharp bettors. FanDuel subsequently secured market access through a partnership with the St. Louis City SC soccer team.

Active Operators and Market Roster

Eight mobile platforms were ready for action on opening day.

The lineup includes major national brands that secured temporary licenses in October. Residents can now access apps from BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and bet365, alongside DraftKings, FanDuel, and Circa.

Each operator conducted early registration periods starting mid-November to build their player bases.

One notable absence is Underdog. The company applied for a license but withdrew its application just before the market went live. Underdog stated it would shift its focus to prediction markets.

This decision left the Kansas City Royals without a confirmed sports betting partner at the start of the season.

Gameplay Rules and Restrictions

The state enforces strict eligibility mechanics. Participants must be at least 21 years old. Geolocation technology verifies that every user is physically located within Missouri borders before a wager is accepted. Residency is not required, meaning visitors can play as long as they remain in the state.

The wagering menu covers professional leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA. Betting on college teams is also permitted.

However, the state constitution includes specific defensive measures regarding student-athletes. Operators cannot offer proposition bets (prop bets) on the individual performance of players from Missouri colleges.

Financial Mechanics and Projections

The market structure encourages high volume. Operators pay a 10% tax on adjusted gross revenue. The state directs these proceeds toward education funds.

Additionally, regulations mandate that at least $5 million annually goes toward problem gambling resources.

Analysts predict a fast start for the Missouri market. Estimates suggest the industry will generate $263 million in gross revenue during the first 12 months.

This figure is expected to climb to nearly $654 million by the fifth year. This growth relies on a competitive environment and a low tax rate.

The launch alters the regional map. Before this date, Missouri residents frequently crossed into Kansas or Illinois to place legal bets. Kansas officials are now bracing for a dip in revenue as that cross-border traffic ceases. Missouri players can now engage with the market from their own homes.