Missouri Sports Betting Licensing Process Begins
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially launched the licensing application process for sports betting operators, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward a regulated sports wagering market. This development comes six months after Missouri voters narrowly approved sports betting legalization through a constitutional amendment last November.
Key Application Deadlines and Timeline
The MGC has established a structured timeline for the licensing process:
- May 15, 2025: Application window opens for all sports wagering licenses
- July 15, 2025: Deadline for Direct Mobile License applications
- August 15, 2025: Announcement of the two Direct Mobile License recipients
- September 12, 2025: Deadline for all other mobile and retail license applications
- December 1, 2025: Constitutional deadline for sports betting launch in Missouri
Industry observers note that the state appears on track to meet the constitutionally mandated December 1 launch date, with the regulatory framework now firmly in place following recent commission actions.
Regulatory Framework Approved
At a special meeting held on May 13, the Commission approved several critical regulatory components necessary for the implementation of sports betting:
Amendments to Existing Regulations
The MGC approved proposed amendments across four chapters of the Missouri Code of State Regulations (Title 11, CSR 45):
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 15
These amendments primarily:
- Add sports wagering to existing regulatory authority
- Update language for clarity and consistency
- Introduce new sections addressing fantasy sports
- Establish protocols for handling excluded persons in sports wagering contexts
New Regulatory Rules
Commissioners approved 54 proposed rules addressing the broader regulatory requirements introduced by Article III, Section 39(g) of the Missouri Constitution following the approval of Amendment 2 last December.
These comprehensive rules cover:
- Cooperation with investigations
- Licensing denial criteria and disciplinary procedures
- IT and cybersecurity protocols
- Reserve requirements for operators
- Responsible gaming measures
- Internal controls standards
- Promotional practices guidelines
- Data integrity safeguards
Despite public comment suggesting their removal, the Commission maintained definitions for “official league data” in line with the constitutional language approved by voters.
Final Orders for License Issuance
Most critically, the Commission approved 12 final orders that will enable the issuance of sports wagering licenses. These rules were initially proposed at the February meeting and underwent a public comment period that concluded on April 16.
Although four individuals attended the public hearing on April 17, no oral comments were made. The Commission received only 10 written comments, which prompted 32 internal staff responses and some modifications to the proposed rules, with three chapters adopted without changes.
License Structure and Revenue Projections
The MGC clarified several important aspects of the licensing structure:
- Mobile licenses are renewable every five years
- License fees are expected to generate approximately $650,000
- Broader revenue projections from wagering operations remain unquantified at this stage
Earlier revenue estimates were included in the original ballot initiative for Amendment 2, but the Commission has not provided updated projections.
Public Input Process Continues
The newly approved amendments and rules will undergo an additional 30-day public comment period beginning on June 16, with a public hearing scheduled for July 17. The final orders of rule-making will be presented at the August commission meeting.
If approved at that time, the rules will take effect on November 30, just one day before the constitutionally mandated launch date.
Technical Debates and Constitutional Compliance
Commissioners engaged in detailed discussions regarding technical language and licensing structures during the meeting. One notable point of debate centered on the use of “official” data sources.
A comment from an unaffiliated individual suggested removing the term to allow third-party data use, but the Commission maintained the language in accordance with constitutional requirements established by the voter-approved amendment.
Industry Implications
The launch of Missouri’s sports betting market represents a significant expansion of legal wagering in the Midwest region. With neighboring states like Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas already offering legal sports betting, Missouri’s entry into the market could help retain gambling dollars that have been flowing across state lines.
The two Direct Mobile Licenses are expected to be highly sought after, as they potentially offer operators the ability to enter the market without partnering with an existing casino property. Industry analysts anticipate strong competition among major national operators for these licenses.
