The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially confirmed that sports wagering will go live in the state on 1 December 2025. The announcement, published on the Commission’s website, also opens the door for licensing applications from interested operators.
Licensing Window Opens Ahead of Launch
Missouri’s newly passed sports wagering legislation is set to take effect on 30 August 2025. From then, the MGC will begin reviewing applications and can issue temporary licences ahead of the December launch.
The cost of entry will vary by licence type:
- Retail licences will be priced at $250,000
- Online licences will require a $500,000 fee
Eligibility and Taxation
The state’s 13 retail casinos and six professional sports teams can now apply. Additionally, the MGC will award two extra licences that are open to applicants not tied to any specific casino or sports franchise, whether in-state or out-of-state. The recipients of these two open licences will be announced on 15 August 2025.
Operators will pay a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue, as confirmed by the Commission.
Market Momentum Builds
Missouri’s decision comes amid growing momentum in the local gambling industry. In April 2025, the state’s regulated casino market recorded $169.1 million in revenue, reflecting a 9% year-on-year increase.
A Long-Awaited Legalisation
The journey toward sports betting legalisation in Missouri began in 2022 when lawmakers reignited the debate. Voters eventually approved the measure in November 2024, but regulatory hurdles caused delays — most notably, the Secretary of State’s rejection of emergency licencing rules in February 2025.
Now, with regulations in place and applications open, Missouri is preparing to become the latest U.S. state to embrace legal sports betting.
