Missouri Sports Betting Bidding Period Begins, Two Licenses Reserved for Fully Remote Books

Key Highlights: These points summarize the most important information regarding sports betting opportunities and strategies.

Missouri is fielding sports betting applications
Each casino can operate an online and physical sportsbook
Missourians authorized sports betting during the 2024 election

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially commenced its bidding period for online and retail sports betting licenses, approximately six months after state voters narrowly sanctioned this new gambling format.

During the November 2024 election, Missourians passed Amendment 2 to legalise betting on professional and college sports by a margin of fewer than 3,000 votes. This change has amended the Missouri Constitution, permitting in-person and online sports betting for individuals aged 21 and older within the state.

The MGC has opened the application window for sports betting licenses today. Sportsbooks looking to secure one of the two fully online sportsbook concessions must submit their bids by July 15, 2025. The gaming regulator will review submissions and hear pitches from potential operators at a meeting on August 13, with license awards expected by August 15.

Applications for other retail and mobile sportsbook licenses must be submitted by September 12, with qualified applicants expected to receive permits starting December 1.

Uncertain Start Date

While the MGC has clarified the application process for sports betting, it has not specified when legal betting will commence.

According to Amendment 2, each of Missouri’s 13 casinos can pursue retail and online sports betting privileges, with each casino capable of operating two skins (or brands). The cost for physical sportsbook licenses is set at $250K and mobile licenses at $500K.

Missouri will impose a 10% tax on the gross revenue earned by oddsmakers, with funds directed toward public education for K-12 students. The initial $5 million per year raised in sports betting taxes will be allocated for the Missouri Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund.

Major player Caesars Entertainment, operating three casinos in Missouri — Harrah’s North Kansas City, Horseshoe St. Louis, and Isle of Capri Boonville — spent approximately $14 million opposing Amendment 2, arguing against allowing remote sportsbooks without a physical investment in Missouri. Caesars is expected to bid for one of the two fully remote licenses with its Caesars Sportsbook to manage the mobile sportsbook competition effectively.

Other casino operators eligible to pursue online and retail sportsbook licenses include Affinity Interactive, Bally’s Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Century Casinos, and Penn Entertainment.

In 2024, Missouri’s casino revenue totaled $1.88 billion, reflecting a 2% decline year-over-year. Officials estimate that sports bettors in Missouri will wager over $3 billion annually, generating substantial revenue for oddsmakers.

Missouri Becomes the 39th Sports Betting State

Once legal sports betting is operational, Missouri will join the ranks as the 39th state to regulate sports betting. Missouri is bordered by eight other states — Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska — all of which currently allow legal sports betting.

According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), sports bettors incurred losses totalling nearly $13.8 billion to sportsbooks in 2024. While 33 states regulate online sportsbooks, six states only permit in-person betting: Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington.

Washington, DC, which offers retail and online sports betting, represents the nation’s 40th sports betting jurisdiction.

Conclusion

The opening of the bidding period for sports betting licenses in Missouri heralds a new era in the state’s gaming landscape, capitalising on the success of Amendment 2 and paving the way for exciting opportunities in both online and retail betting markets.