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Missouri is preparing for one of the Midwest’s most anticipated online gambling launches. On Dec. 1, 2025, the state’s sports betting market will officially open. Preparations for a successful debut have been underway for months, and regulators are now ramping up final activities ahead of Day 1.
At least seven sportsbooks are expected to receive temporary licenses by Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. With preparations in full swing, sports bettors across the state are eagerly awaiting the rollout.
Regulators finalize sportsbook licenses ahead of launch
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has been completing the final stages of its regulatory checklist in recent weeks. Sportsbook operators are being issued temporary licenses, allowing system testing to begin before opening day.
MGC Chair Jan Zimmerman described the process as a “colossal regulatory lift.” She added that the commission is focused on ensuring all systems are fully compliant and stable before wagers go live. Officials also emphasized that Missouri’s implementation prioritizes integrity, consumer protection, and transparency.
To date, the MGC has awarded 22 temporary licenses, covering online operators, retail casinos, and suppliers, as part of the rollout. These include 10 online sportsbook brands:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- Circa Sports
- DraftKings
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- Kambi
- Penn Sports/ESPN Bet
- Underdog
Eight retail casino operators and five technology and data suppliers supporting the betting infrastructure have also been granted temporary licenses.
Under Missouri’s framework, 14 sportsbook licenses and two untethered mobile licenses are available. The two untethered licenses — allowing operators to offer statewide mobile betting without partnering with a local casino or sports team — have been awarded to Circa Sports and DraftKings. All other operators must affiliate with Missouri casinos or professional sports franchises.
Here’s a look at some of the announced partnerships so far:
- FanDuel has teamed up with St. Louis City SC.
- bet365 partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- BetMGM will operate through Century Casinos.
- Underdog Sports is expected to enter through the Kansas City Royals partnership.
Once temporary licenses are approved, each operator must submit internal control plans, testing results, and final betting rules before launch.
Early registration opens Nov. 17 for Missouri sports betting
Missouri sports betting’s official launch is set for 12:01 a.m. local time on Dec. 1, 2025. Still, some operators may open pre-registration and allow players to deposit funds as early as Nov. 17. That early access window gives bettors time to create accounts and explore app features before wagering begins.
The Nov. 17 date marks the next key milestone in the rollout, when the 22 licensed operators can begin final system testing and account sign-ups ahead of launch.
This schedule positions Missouri’s debut just ahead of major sports betting events, including college football bowl games and the NFL playoff push.
Although sportsbooks are not yet authorized to advertise official promotions, early indications suggest players can expect competitive welcome offers similar to other recent state rollouts. Common promos may include “Bet $5, Get $300” in bonus bets, first-bet insurance, and deposit match bonuses for new users.
Regulators are still finalizing rules on promotional content and responsible gaming disclosures. Once those are approved, sportsbooks are expected to begin rolling out bonus offers and marketing campaigns in the weeks leading up to launch day.
Missouri regulators prioritize integrity and player safety
Missouri’s approach to sports betting has been described as careful and methodical. Since the start, the MGC has focused on integrity, fair play, and consumer safety.
Key elements of the regulatory framework include:
- College Sports Restrictions: Prop bets on individual college athletes will be prohibited to protect amateur players.
- Advertising Standards: Operators must avoid misleading promotions and include responsible gaming messaging in all advertisements.
- Transparency Measures: Licensing actions, rule changes, and audits will be made public.
- Market Oversight: More than 450 license applications have been reviewed to ensure compliance before launch.
This measured rollout is designed to avoid the operational chaos seen in some newly regulated states and to build public trust from day one.
Missouri enters final stage before sports betting goes live
In the coming weeks, the MGC will continue reviewing background checks, completing system verifications, and approving additional licenses. Operators will conduct final tests to ensure geolocation, payment, and wagering systems function properly, while promotional campaigns are expected to begin once advertising guidelines are cleared.
The Dec. 1 launch marks a milestone after years of debate and legislative hurdles, during which several neighboring states — including Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa — legalized sports betting.
If all goes according to plan, Missouri will officially join the ranks of fully regulated sports betting states on launch day. By the start of bowl season, residents will be placing their first legal mobile bets — just in time for one of the busiest sports months of the year.
