Fanatics becomes fifth operator applying for a Missouri sports betting license

Fanatics Sportsbook has applied for both online and retail sports betting licenses in Missouri, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has confirmed. The company is the fifth operator to apply since the process opened in May.

Missouri’s sports betting market is scheduled to launch Dec. 1, with the MGC authorized to issue up to 19 retail and 14 online licenses. The application deadline for operators with market access through a casino or professional sports team is Sept. 12. Temporary licenses are expected to follow soon after to allow time for testing requirements ahead of launch.

Fanatics, which currently operates in 23 US states, including Missouri neighbours Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Kansas, has not disclosed a partner for its Missouri market entry. The company did not apply for one of the two available untethered mobile licenses, which allow sportsbooks to operate without a casino or team partnership.

Untethered license competition

Three operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports — have applied for untethered licenses. Meanwhile, Underdog has applied for a mobile license. Presentations from untethered license applicants will be held Aug. 13, with selections to be announced Aug. 15.

Untethered license holders in Missouri can operate without paying partner fees or sharing revenue. By contrast, tethered license holders must secure agreements with land-based casinos or professional sports teams to enter the market.

Supplier applications

Alongside operators, five suppliers have applied for sports wagering supplier licenses: Catalist, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), GeoComply, OpticOdds, and Sportradar. These companies provide services ranging from data supply to geolocation compliance and independent testing.

Market access developments

Some operators have already secured partnerships for Missouri entry. BetMGM partnered with Century Casinos, while bet365 signed an agreement with MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals.

PENN Entertainment is preparing to bring ESPN BET into the state through its existing casinos, with recent job postings indicating plans for a retail sportsbook. Caesars and Bally Bet operate land-based casinos in Missouri, and other potential entrants include Hard Rock Bet and Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers.

The MGC recently held a public hearing on its proposed sports betting rules. While no oral comments were made, written submissions were sent online and will be reviewed before final regulations are issued.