The Missouri Gaming Commission has announced that sports betting operators may begin submitting license applications starting May 15, 2025, marking a significant step toward the industry’s full legalization.
Licensing Timeline & Application Process
Missouri’s sports betting regulations are set to take effect on August 30, 2025, with the May 15 to August 30 interim period allowing regulators sufficient time to review applications and issue temporary licenses ahead of the industry’s official December 1 deadline.
“The commission intends to work with our stakeholders to make license applications available on May 15 so that interested parties can start the process of gathering the necessary documents to complete their applications,” the official statement reads.
Under Missouri’s framework, the state plans to issue:
- 19 retail sports betting licenses
- 21 online sports betting licenses
Additionally, each of Missouri’s six major league teams will be eligible to apply for both a retail and an online license.
Challenges in Legalizing Sports Betting
The journey toward legalization has been complex, as earlier this year, Missouri’s licensing process was blocked by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, leading to delays. However, in November 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved legal sports betting, paving the way for regulation.
This decision had an immediate impact on the gaming industry, with stocks from major sportsbooks experiencing notable gains following the vote:
✅ DraftKings: Up 3%
✅ FanDuel: Up 2.51%
✅ Rush Street Interactive: Up 5.1%
Missouri Becomes the 39th State to Legalize Sports Betting
Bill Miller, President & CEO of the American Gaming Association, celebrated the milestone, stating:
“Voters delivered a knockout punch to illegal sports betting in Missouri, ensuring a regulated, secure gaming environment.”
With Missouri moving forward in licensing, the state is set to join the ranks of legal sports betting jurisdictions, bringing economic growth and consumer protections to the industry.
