Missouri is all set to launch sports betting on the 1st of December this year, and this includes awarding two untethered sports betting licenses. The three platforms who have applied for the licenses include FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports LLC, a late entry.

The Missouri Gaming Commission has officially received three applications for two untethered online sports betting licenses, signaling a competitive race as the state prepares to launch legal sports wagering on the 1st of December, 2025.

FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports LLC have all entered the running for these highly sought-after licenses, which allow operators to offer sports betting without partnering with a land-based casino or sports franchise. Missouri regulators confirmed the third application - submitted by Circa Sports - was received just ahead of the deadline and was postdated July 15, making it eligible for consideration.

Two licenses, three applicants

The initial report suggested only DraftKings and FanDuel had submitted applications by the July 15 deadline. However, on the morning of July 16, the MGC updated its statement to include Circa Sports as the third applicant for the untethered licenses. A spokesperson confirmed that the third application would be accepted.

These untethered licenses are unique compared to other Missouri licenses. While most operators must enter the market through a revenue-sharing partnership with a professional sports team or an existing casino, holders of untethered licenses can operate independently. This means they are not required to split revenues or coordinate operations with local entities.

Valuable licenses in a growing market

The untethered licenses are particularly valuable because they provide operators with full control over their operations in Missouri. Under the state's approved sports betting regulations, only two such licenses will be awarded, making the current competition especially high-stakes.

Regulators will evaluate the applications over the coming weeks and are expected to announce the two winning applicants on August 15, following an optional public hearing on August 13. All other sports betting applications - those tied to land-based casinos or sports teams - must be finalized by September 12.

In total, Missouri can approve up to 14 online sportsbook licenses and 19 retail sportsbook licenses. The state's regulatory framework has attracted major players looking to capitalize on what is projected to be a lucrative Midwestern market.

Remaining regulatory timeline

Missouri's path to legal sports betting is nearing its final stages. The next steps on the regulatory calendar include:

  • 16th of July: Deadline for public comments on proposed sports betting rules
  • 17th of July: Public hearing to review submitted comments
  • 13th of August: Public appearance opportunity for untethered license applicants
  • 15th of August: Announcement of selected untethered license holders
  • 12th of September: Deadline to complete all other partnered retail and online license applications
  • 1st of December: Official launch date for legal sports betting in Missouri

Market access deals taking shape

While the untethered licenses grab headlines, several major operators are finalizing their market access deals. BetMGM announced a partnership with Century Casinos back in May, ensuring access to both retail and online operations in the state. The agreement includes a revenue-sharing structure with a guaranteed minimum payment to Century.

Meanwhile, bet365 partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals in March, securing a long-term deal that will enable it to operate once the market goes live. Underdog has also submitted an application for both online and retail licenses, though it has yet to confirm a market access partner.

On the supplier side, Catalist, GeoComply, and Gaming Labs International have applied for necessary certifications to support the upcoming sportsbook ecosystem. With three top-tier companies competing for only two untethered licenses, Missouri's sports betting launch is shaping up to be a major development in the national gaming sector.