Missouri's Sports Betting Market Starting to Attract Attention from Sportsbooks

Missouri's sports betting market is beginning to draw significant interest from major operators as the state moves closer to launching regulated wagering. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has confirmed that Fanatics Sportsbook has submitted applications for both online and retail sports betting licenses. This development positions Fanatics as the fifth company to seek entry into the market since the application window opened in May.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO, at night. (Source: National Geographic)
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The state regulator has been processing license requests in preparation for the official launch of sports betting on December 1. Under the framework approved by lawmakers and implemented by the commission, Missouri can grant up to 19 retail licenses and 14 online licenses.

While Fanatics has filed for both license types, it has yet to disclose a market access partner for its Missouri operations. The company already operates in 22 U.S. states and Washington, DC, and its move into Missouri signals a continuation of its national expansion strategy.

Other companies that have submitted applications include Circa Sports, DraftKings, Underdog, and FanDuel. Three of these operators, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Circa Sports, are seeking one of Missouri's two untethered online sports betting licenses.

These licenses are notable because they allow operators to launch without forming partnerships with casinos or professional sports teams within the state. Underdog, in contrast, has applied for a standard mobile sports betting license, which would require partnership arrangements as per state regulations.

The Missouri Gaming Commission has scheduled key dates in the licensing process for untethered operators. Applicants will present their proposals to the commission on August 13, providing details on their operational plans, compliance protocols, and market strategies. The commission will then announce which operators will receive these licenses on August 15, clearing the way for them to prepare for the December market launch.

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Missouri Finds Interest from Lateral Companies

In addition to operator applications, several suppliers have also moved to secure their positions in Missouri's emerging market. Catalist, Gaming Labs International, GeoComply, OpticOdds, and Sportradar have all submitted license requests to provide technology, compliance, and data services for the state's sportsbook operators. These suppliers play a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance, facilitating geolocation verification, and delivering odds and statistical data to betting platforms.

The MGC has also been finalizing the rules that will govern the state's sports betting industry. A recent public hearing on the proposed regulations saw no in-person comments, but several written submissions were received through the commission's online portal. These written responses will be reviewed before the final regulations are issued, ensuring that the operational framework aligns with both legal requirements and industry best practices.

Missouri's regulatory model provides multiple pathways for operators to enter the market, from retail sportsbooks located at licensed venues to online and mobile platforms serving bettors statewide. The availability of untethered online licenses is a distinguishing feature, offering greater flexibility for certain operators.

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