Deadline Approaching for Missouri Sports Betting Applications

The MGC emphasized that operators should file the applications by the deadline so that they may be thoroughly reviewed.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: September 10, 2025 3:46 PM EDT • 3 minute read

Deadline Approaching for Missouri Sports Betting Applications — Pictured: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts. Photo by Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

The time is running out for the best sports betting sites hoping to break into the upcoming legal sports betting launch.

Any Missouri sports betting operator hoping to launch on Dec. 1 must apply with the Missouri Gaming Commission by Sept. 12. Applications submitted by this deadline will qualify for temporary licenses, which allow suppliers to test and certify betting systems before launch.

The Missouri Gaming Commission emphasized that operators should file the applications within the September deadline so that they may be thoroughly reviewed.

“Submitting applications on time ensures they will be thoroughly reviewed and considered promptly. Meeting this deadline allows for the issuance of temporary licenses, enabling Sports Wagering Suppliers to test and certify all necessary systems and equipment before the launch date,” its website stated.

While the state missed the start of the college football and NFL seasons, regulators expect the market to draw strong demand once it goes live, and residents are expected to take advantage of Missouri sportsbook promos. Many states bordering Missouri currently offer legal sports betting, so gambling revenue is expected to continue leaving the state until its market opens.

However, this could change in the future for other reasons.

Across the border, Illinois sports betting has introduced a new per-wager tax as part of its latest budget. The measure requires sportsbooks to pay 25 cents on each of the first 20 million bets placed annually, and 50 cents for every wager beyond that threshold. Operators have responded in different ways, with some raising minimum bet amounts and others adding surcharges that fall directly on customers.

The policy has drawn criticism from players online, where complaints about higher costs have circulated on social media. Dissatisfaction with the new structure could prompt bettors in states bordering Missouri to cross into the state once its sports betting market becomes active.

DraftKings and Circa awarded direct licenses

In August, the Missouri Gaming Commission granted the state's two direct mobile sports betting licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports. The approval allows both operators to run statewide mobile sportsbooks without needing partnerships with casinos or professional sports teams.

Circa's pitch distinguished itself by promoting its willingness to take larger bets from professional gamblers. The company acknowledged, however, that its approach may not generate as much tax revenue as some competitors. DraftKings, by contrast, will expand its nationwide footprint to 29 states once Missouri launches, adding to its existing presence in nearby Kansas.

FanDuel, passed over for a direct license, moved quickly to ensure market access by partnering with St. Louis City SC. The agreement allows the sportsbook to open a retail location within or adjacent to the team's stadium, while also supporting its mobile operations in Missouri.

Fanatics Sportsbook also secured entry into the market by forming a multi-year licensing partnership with Boyd Gaming. Under the agreement, Fanatics will operate mobile sports betting through Boyd's license, and Boyd's Ameristar Casino properties in Kansas City and St. Charles will rebrand their retail sportsbooks under the Fanatics name.

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.