Missouri sports betting application period opened today, with a launch date of Dec. 1 set.
The Missouri Gaming Commission announced on its website this week the Missouri sports betting application period opened Thursday. There are multiple due dates for the different kinds of licenses available.
An MGC spokesperson confirmed Dec. 1 will be the launch date. Covers first reported the launch date.
“August 30th is the date for the licensing rules to become effective; but after that, there is still a process for review and background of applicants before licenses can be issued and sports wagering can go live,” the spokesperson said. “The launch date will be Dec. 1st.”
Missouri sports betting timeline
Applicants for the two licenses available through the MGC must submit their applications by July 15. Those operators will appear before the MGC Aug. 13.
The MGC will announce the two selected operators Aug. 15.
Applicants for in-person and online sportsbooks through the state’s casinos and sports teams must turn in applications by Sept. 12 if they hope to be live on Dec. 1.
Timeline in the air
Missourians voted to approve sports betting in November 2024. The constitution now requires sports betting be available by Dec. 1.
Initially, MGC Chair Jan Zimmerman hoped to be live by this summer. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected emergency rules in February that would have made that possible.
Without the emergency rules, the licensing rules go into effect August 30. In March, the MGC announced its intentions to open the application period May 15.
Until Thursday, the MGC had maintained consistent communication that the goal was for sports betting to be available by Dec. 1.
Show-Me State framework
Along with the MGC’s two standalone licenses, the state’s 13 riverboat casinos can each partner with an online sportsbook. They can also offer in-person sportsbooks.
The six professional sports teams can also partner with sportsbooks. The St. Louis Cardinals announced a partnership with bet365 earlier this year.
Missouri will tax sports betting revenue at 10%.
