May 15 marks a major milestone in Missouri’s journey toward legalized sports betting. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially opened the application window for sports wagering licenses, launching the regulatory process that will culminate in the December 1, 2025 market debut.
Missouri Sports Betting Is Now Legal After Bill Passes by 2,961 Votes
Operators can now apply for 19 retail and 21 mobile licenses, including a special category of direct mobile licenses not tied to physical casinos. These standalone mobile applications are due by July 15, with presentations to the MGC scheduled for August 13 and selected applicants announced on August 15. All other applications—both retail and standard mobile—must be submitted by September 12 to be eligible for day-one operations.
This follows the voter-approved Amendment 2 from November 2024 and replaces the emergency rule process that was rejected earlier this year. The finalized regulations will officially take effect on August 30, allowing time for technical testing and compliance verification.
The framework imposes a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue, with proceeds directed toward public education and responsible gaming initiatives. Industry giants including bet365—partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals—and ESPN Bet are among the first to express intent to join the market. Missouri’s rollout is being closely watched as one of the most structured and competitive U.S. market launches in recent years.
