Missouri Sports Betting to Launch December 1

After years of debate and regulatory hurdles, sports betting is officially coming to Missouri.

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has announced that the state’s regulated sports wagering market will go live on 1 December 2025.

With licence applications now open, casinos, professional sports teams, and other qualified operators can prepare to enter this long-anticipated market.

Stakeholders must act fast to secure one of the limited licences and position themselves in what is expected to be one of the Midwest’s most active betting landscapes.

Missouri Greenlights Sports Betting Launch for December 1: Licensing Now Open

3 Key Points

• Missouri sports betting launches 1 December 2025; applications are now being accepted.
• Retail licences cost $250,000, while online licences are set at $500,000.
• Thirteen casinos, six pro teams, and two open licences will shape the first phase of operations.

Missouri’s Betting Market to Open After Long Legislative Journey

The Missouri Gaming Commission has officially confirmed that the state’s regulated sports betting market will open its doors to the public on December 1, 2025.

This development follows the adoption of new sports wagering legislation set to take effect on August 30, 2025, allowing a brief period for licence application processing and temporary authorisations to be issued.

Operators can begin submitting their applications now, and MGC will start reviewing them immediately.

This milestone comes after years of failed legislative attempts and voter consultations. In November 2024, voters narrowly approved the launch of regulated sports betting, paving the way for this historic moment.

Licensing Framework: Who Can Apply and What It Costs

The Missouri licensing framework includes multiple pathways for entry:

• Thirteen state-licensed retail casinos can apply for on-site sportsbook operations.
• Six professional sports teams, including franchises from the NFL, MLB, and NHL, are eligible to run sportsbooks.
• Two additional licences will be awarded to applicants not affiliated with existing entities, opening the door to national or out-of-state operators.

Here’s a breakdown of the fee structure:

• Retail sportsbook licence: $250,000
• Online sportsbook licence: $500,000

All licences are subject to a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue.

The Missouri Gaming Commission will announce the recipients of the two open licences on 15 August, giving applicants a firm deadline to prepare.

Market Outlook: Big Numbers, Big Opportunities

Missouri’s regulated casino industry is already showing strong performance. In April 2025, total casino revenue hit $169.1 million, up 9% year-over-year.

With the addition of sports wagering, analysts expect:

• Increased foot traffic to retail casinos
• Digital expansion through online sportsbooks
• New revenue streams for professional teams and state coffers

This expansion also positions Missouri as a key competitor to nearby sports betting states like Illinois and Kansas.

Hurdles Overcome: From Rejection to Regulation

Missouri’s path to regulated betting has been anything but smooth.

The first serious proposals emerged back in 2022, but competing interests and political infighting delayed progress.

In February 2025, the process faced another setback when the Secretary of State’s office rejected emergency licensing rules, further delaying implementation.

However, the state’s eventual regulatory breakthrough reflects growing national momentum to legalize, regulate, and tax sports betting as a mainstream entertainment product.

Missouri’s entry into the regulated sports betting market marks a pivotal moment for the state’s gaming industry.

With licences now available, the Missouri Gaming Commission is inviting retail casinos, pro sports franchises, and eligible third-party operators to help shape a new era of gaming in the state.

As the clock ticks down to December 1, stakeholders must act swiftly to secure their place in the market, establish compliance protocols, and develop competitive sportsbook platforms.

With strong consumer demand, a growing digital infrastructure, and a favorable tax environment, Missouri is primed to become a major player in U.S. sports wagering.

✅ Need help preparing your Missouri sportsbook application, structuring a compliant operating model, or launching a turnkey betting platform? Let’s make your entry fast, legal, and profitable.

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