Missouri Sports Betting Launch Remains On Pace
Missouri video gaming officials didn't deal with changes to the pending sports betting launch throughout a meeting Wednesday, an anticipated advancement that declares the state's push for a Dec. 1 launch.
- Missouri sports wagering launch remains on track for Dec. 1 regardless of earlier delays.
- Nine sportsbooks, consisting of DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and ESPN BET, are positioned to go live.
- Online wagering is anticipated to drive more than 95% of the state's betting handle.
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) didn't discuss the sportsbook rollout during a roughly 45-minute conference. The MGC formerly authorized the launch timeline - and is needed by law to have the state's very first legal sportsbooks approved by Dec. 1 - but it nevertheless underscores continued progress.
After originally targeting a June launch date, the MGC needed to push it back to December after a demand for "emergency situation" policy approval was turned down by the Missouri Secretary of State. Without emergency situation approval, regulators can't authorize required pre-launch work until Nov. 30.
Missouri sportsbook lineup takes shape
Nine sportsbooks are already positioned to go live on Dec. 1 with possibly more candidates en route.
The MGC currently approved DraftKings and Circa Sportsbook for statewide mobile sports betting licenses. The two books made "untethered" licenses that enable them to take bets without needing to partner with one of the state's professional sports teams or brick-and-mortar casinos.
FanDuel and bet365 partnered with MLS club St. Louis CITY SC and MLB's St. Louis Cardinals, respectively. BetMGM has a market gain access to handle Century Casinos, and Fanatics is partnered with Boyd Gaming.
Caesars and PENN Entertainment both have market access offers for their respective sportsbooks through operations of Missouri brick-and-mortar casinos. Caesars Sportsbook and PENN's ESPN BET are both set for Dec. 1 mobile launches.
Underdog requested a mobile sports betting license but has not revealed a market access partner.
No news is excellent news: The Missouri Gaming Commission didn't discuss sports wagering during a short conference today; state remains on rate for Dec. 1 statewide mobile sports betting launch with 9 sportsbooks (and possibly more) to go live on that date
Hard Rock and BetRivers highlight a list of other possible Missouri sports wagering applicants. Both operate gambling establishments and mobile sportsbooks in surrounding Illinois but would require to partner with a Missouri casino or professional team before it can protect market access in the Show Me State.
The application deadline is Sept. 12 for any sportsbook that wishes to begin taking bets on the go-live date. The MGC will reveal all licensees ahead of the launch.
Bally's is the just other Missouri casino operator that has a mobile sportsbook. This provides Bally Bet direct access to a license, but it is unclear if it will launch in the state.
Caesars and PENN, which both operate 3 Missouri gambling establishments, anticipate to open retail sportsbooks at all their properties. Fanatics is set to open books at both of Boyd's Missouri homes, and Century will open an in-person sportsbook at its Cape Girardeau casino.
The Cardinals revealed plans to open a retail book nearby to Busch Stadium in the Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis after Dec.
.