Missouri Sports Betting Launch: DraftKings, Underdog First to Apply for Licenses

Missouri Sports Betting Launch: DraftKings, Underdog First to Apply for Licenses

The official launch of Missouri sports betting draws nearer, and it took another substantial step forward recently when DraftKings and Underdog became the first operators to turn in their license applications. It's widely expected that both sports betting apps will receive a license, adding two industry powerhouses to the options that players in the Show Me State have to use to place their wagers.

DraftKings' application isn't surprising considering it spent considerable funds lobbying for the legalization of online sports betting in Missouri last year. It also makes sense considering it already operates in nearby Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Kansas. 

Qualified bettors in the state will soon be able to take advantage of the DraftKings Missouri promo code, which will unlock an elite welcome bonus and a handful of additional great features that make it one of the industry's leading sites.

Bet365, BetMGM Lay Missouri Partnership Groundwork

DraftKings and Underdog Fantasy formally applying for licenses is a major step, but they're not the first sports betting sites to make waves in the Show Me State. Bet365 agreed to a partnership with the MLB's St. Louis Cardinals, the first of its kind in the state. We could see additional online sportsbooks link up with Missouri's pro teams such as the Royals or Blues, but it hasn't happened to this point. BetMGM and DraftKings are official betting sponsors of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.

BetMGM also entered into a partnership with Century Casinos, meaning players will be able to grab the BetMGM Missouri bonus code once everything is up and running.

That makes it likely that those four will receive licenses to operate in the state. By law, Missouri may grant up to 14 licenses to the leading online sportsbooks – though it's unlikely that all 14 will be delivered right away.

Expect FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook to Follow Suit

Along with DraftKings' lobbying, FanDuel was another operator that spent considerable time working toward the legalization of online sports betting in Missouri. As the market share leader in the space, it's expected that they will apply for and receive a license, meaning players will be able to sign up with the FanDuel Missouri promo code offer sooner than later.

On the same level as FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook is also expected to apply for a license in the Show Me State. Their arrival in Missouri would allow all new players to grab and take advantage of the Caesars Sportsbook Missouri promo code and everything that comes along with membership at this industry leader.

Missouri residents narrowly voted in November 2024 to legalize online sports betting in the state, meaning players will soon be able take advantage of a number of great Missouri sportsbook promos once operations launch prior to the Dec. 1 deadline.

Missouri bettors won't have access to real money Missouri online casinos, which was not part of any bills or vote back in 2024. Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are available and always free to play, and online sports betting will be here soon enough, giving Show Me State residents hundreds of odds to choose from at the industry's leading online sportsbooks.

This article is part of our Betting Promotions series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Strotman
Mark Strotman is a veteran sports journalist who has covered the Chicago Bulls and the NBA for NBC Sports Chicago for about 8 years. His work has also appeared on ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, The Chicago Tribune, Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports. He covered the NBA Playoffs in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 as well as Team USA Basketball in 2014 and 2016. He has also covered high school football and was nominated for a Midwest Emmy in 2016 for his work on a documentary featuring local Chicago product and NFL prospect Miles Boykin.