Missouri Sets December 2025 Launch for Online Sports Betting
Missouri is preparing to join the growing list of states with legal online sports betting. The state’s application deadline for sportsbook operators passed on September 12, 2024, marking a major step toward the official launch on December 1, 2025. This move follows the narrow approval of Amendment 2 by voters, which ended years of legislative delays and debate. The new law allows both retail and online sports betting, making Missouri the 39th state to legalize this form of gambling. The launch will come after a long campaign led by professional sports teams and major sportsbook brands. Online sports betting is expected to bring new revenue and entertainment options to residents across the state.
Major Sportsbooks Apply for Missouri Licenses
Several leading sportsbook operators have applied for licenses in Missouri. Confirmed applicants include Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, FanDuel, Penn Entertainment (ESPN Bet), and Underdog. These companies are expected to bring strong competition and a wide range of betting options to the state. The Missouri Gaming Commission plans to issue temporary licenses by October 22, 2024. Operators with these licenses must submit house rules and controls before pre-registration begins on November 17, 2025. This process ensures that all platforms meet regulatory standards before accepting bets. Pre-registration will allow bettors to create accounts and deposit funds ahead of the official launch.
Unique Licensing Structure and Partnerships
Missouri’s sports betting law introduces a unique licensing structure. There will be 19 retail sportsbook licenses and 14 mobile licenses available. Some mobile licenses may remain unclaimed due to limits set by Amendment 2. Notably, Circa Sports and DraftKings received “untethered” licenses, allowing them to operate without a partnership with a casino or professional sports team. Other operators, such as FanDuel, must partner with a local casino or team. For example, FanDuel has teamed up with St. Louis City SC (MLS), while BetMGM is working with Century Casinos and Bet365 with the St. Louis Cardinals. These partnerships are crucial for market access and help connect sportsbooks with local fans. Retail sportsbooks will also be available at casinos and near stadiums, giving bettors more ways to participate.
Tax Revenue and Education Funding
The new law imposes a 10% tax on sportsbook revenue. This tax will fund the state’s Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and support K–12 and higher education institutions. The law sets aside $5 million for gambling prevention, with the rest going to education. However, revenue projections vary widely, from zero to nearly $29 million per year, due to promotional tax credit write-offs allowed for operators. Some groups, like the Kansas City teachers’ union, question whether the new funds will actually increase teacher salaries. Despite these concerns, all six professional sports teams in Missouri support the new law, seeing it as a way to boost both state revenue and fan engagement. Education funding remains a central promise of the legalization effort.
Key Features of Missouri’s Sports Betting Law
Missouri’s law allows one “skin” (mobile license) per operator. Each operator must pay $250,000 for a retail license and $500,000 for a mobile license, with renewals every five years. The law permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams, with no restrictions on prop bets. This is a significant difference from some other states, which often limit or ban college sports betting. The law also allows professional sports teams to open retail sportsbooks near their stadiums, creating new opportunities for fan engagement and local business partnerships. However, the law does not address the legality of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), a key issue that delayed previous legislation. College sports betting is expected to be a popular feature among Missouri bettors.
National Context: U.S. Sports Betting Legalization Trends
The legalization of online sports betting in Missouri reflects a broader trend across the United States. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, more than three dozen states have legalized sports betting. Each state has taken a different approach, with some allowing only retail betting and others permitting both retail and online options. Missouri stands out as the only state launching sports betting in 2025, and its regulatory framework is being built from scratch. Regulators are looking to neighboring states for guidance, as seven of eight bordering states have already legalized sports betting. Regulatory models from other states are helping Missouri shape its own rules.
Industry Support and Opposition
The campaign to legalize sports betting in Missouri was heavily funded by major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, who spent over $32 million combined to support Amendment 2. The “Winning for Missouri Education” group gathered more than 340,000 signatures to get the measure on the ballot. On the other hand, Caesars opposed the amendment, spending $14 million to argue that the law favors out-of-state operators and does not support local investment or jobs. Despite this opposition, the measure passed by fewer than 10,000 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast, showing how divided the issue was among voters. Industry funding and local concerns both played a role in the debate.
What’s Next for Missouri and the U.S. Market?
With the application process complete and temporary licenses set to be issued soon, Missouri is on track for a December 2025 launch. Residents will be able to pre-register for online accounts starting November 17, 2025, and place bets once the market opens. Only those aged 21 and older can participate, and all betting must take place within state lines. The state’s approach, which combines strong regulatory oversight with partnerships between sportsbooks and local teams or casinos, could serve as a model for other states considering legalization. As the U.S. sports betting market continues to grow, Missouri’s experience will be closely watched by industry leaders and lawmakers nationwide. Market growth and regulatory lessons are expected to influence future legalization efforts.
Conclusion: Missouri’s Role in the Expanding U.S. Sports Betting Landscape
Missouri’s move to legalize online sports betting marks a significant milestone in the national expansion of legal gambling. The state’s careful approach, focus on education funding, and inclusion of both retail and online options reflect the evolving landscape of sports betting in America. As more states consider legalization, the lessons learned in Missouri will help shape the future of the industry. With major operators, professional sports teams, and state regulators all playing key roles, the path forward for online sports betting in the U.S. looks set for continued growth and innovation. Missouri’s launch will be a key event to watch as the industry continues to expand.