Fanatics Sportsbook has joined the bandwagon of sports betting platforms applying for a license to operate in the state of Missouri, the fifth operator to do so. It has applied for both an online and retail sports betting license, competing with four other sportsbooks for the coveted regulatory licenses.

Fanatics Sportsbook is officially setting its sights on Missouri as the company becomes the latest operator to submit an application for both online and retail sports betting licenses in the state. As of now, Fanatics is the fifth betting operator to file for licensure ahead of Missouri's highly anticipated December 1, 2025, launch of legal sports betting.

The Missouri Gaming Commission confirmed the dual application, though Fanatics has yet to disclose which in-state casino or professional sports team it intends to partner with for market access.

Missouri sports betting market begins to take shape

Under Missouri's approved sports betting framework, the Gaming Commission is authorized to issue up to 19 retail and 14 online licenses. Operators have until the 12th of September to submit their applications, provided they are tethered to a qualified partner such as a casino or sports franchise.

Fanatics' move comes as part of a wider rush among major sportsbooks to secure early entry into the Missouri market. Currently active in 22 states and Washington, DC, the operator could soon add Missouri as its 23rd jurisdiction if its license applications are approved.

So far, applications for online and/or retail operations have also been submitted by DraftKings, Circa Sports, FanDuel, and Underdog. Like Fanatics, Underdog has not yet publicly announced its Missouri partner.

Competition intensifies for coveted untethered licenses

Not all licenses in Missouri require partnerships. The Gaming Commission is offering two 'untethered' online sports betting licenses, which allow holders to operate without a state-based partner and retain full control over revenues.

DraftKings, Circa Sports, and FanDuel have each submitted bids for these highly sought-after licenses. The Missouri Gaming Commission is scheduled to announce the two selected recipients on the 15th of August. Applicants vying for these direct licenses may present their case before the commission during a meeting on August 13.

By bypassing the need for a tethered partnership, untethered license holders stand to benefit from greater operational freedom and financial independence. The intense competition among industry giants demonstrates the potential value of Missouri's emerging market.

Key dates leading up to sports betting launch

As Missouri inches closer to its legal sports betting debut, the state has outlined a clear timeline:

  • August 13: Applicants for untethered online licenses may appear before the commission
  • August 15: Two untethered license recipients will be selected
  • September 12: Deadline for all other partnered license applications
  • December 1: Official launch of Missouri sports betting

The Missouri Gaming Commission has already hosted a public hearing to review proposed sports betting regulations. Interestingly, the meeting went forward without any public comments, signaling minimal public resistance or concern at this stage.

Aside from operator applications, the Missouri Gaming Commission has also received interest from potential suppliers. These companies provide critical infrastructure and technology to support legal wagering platforms.

So far, five entities have applied for sports betting supplier licenses: Catalist, GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), GeoComply, OpticOdds, and Sportradar. Each of these suppliers brings specialized tools and services - from geolocation compliance to real-time odds delivery - essential to maintaining a secure and efficient betting environment.

Missouri's sports betting era approaches

With Fanatics Sportsbook entering the field and the regulatory process advancing steadily, Missouri appears well on track for a successful sports betting rollout. The coming weeks will be critical, as operators await license decisions and finalize partnerships ahead of the December 1 live date.