Missouri Gaming Commission Solicits Public Input as Sports Betting Launch Nears

The public can provide written comments through e-mail or participate in the MGC's meeting at the agency's office.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: July 16, 2025 8:54 AM EDT • 2 minute read

Missouri Gaming Commission Solicits Public Input as Sports Betting Launch Nears — Pictured: St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jose Fermin, center fielder Victor Scott II, and right fielder Alec Burleson celebrate. Photo by Jeff Curry via Imagn Images.

Missouri is moving closer to introducing legal sports betting, but the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is first inviting public input before finalizing the regulations.

The public can provide written comments through e-mail at mgcpolicy@mgc.dps.mo.gov by July 16 or participate in the MGC's meeting on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the agency's office. There will also be a livestream of the meeting for those unable to attend.

While public comment ends this week, the license proceeding is already underway. Missouri's two independent mobile sports betting licenses had applications due Tuesday. Missouri sportsbook promos won't be long following once the launch is official.

These licenses are distinct from others in that they allow holders to operate mobile sportsbooks without partnering with a brick-and-mortar casino or a professional sports team. FanDuel and DraftKings are looking to secure standalone mobile licenses. Both companies have invested heavily in lobbying efforts to legalize sports wagering in the state.

All other operators must enter into agreements with existing Missouri casinos or professional franchises. Negotiating other license agreements is already underway, with BetMGM partnering with Century Casinos as part of its application process.

The MGC is set to start issuing licenses next month. MGC Chairwoman Jan Zimmerman confirmed that legal sports betting will launch on Dec. 1, as required by the law passed to legalize online sports betting in Missouri.

Calendar progressing rapidly

Under Amendment Two, Missouri's newly legalized sports betting market will be subject to a 10% tax on gross gambling revenue. The State Auditor's Office projects that this could generate up to $29 million in annual revenue, creating a new funding stream for government initiatives.

The structure for allocating this revenue follows a defined order. First, the MGC will use funds to recoup any "reasonable expenses" related to regulating and implementing sports wagering that were not already covered by licensing and operational fees.

Following that, 10% of the remaining tax revenue (or $5 million, whichever is greater) will be directed toward Missouri's Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund, which supports treatment and education programs addressing problem gambling.

Any remaining tax revenue after these deductions is earmarked by law for educational use. This includes funding for institutions at all levels, including elementary, secondary, and higher education across the state.

The licensing period for operators commenced on May 15, with the initial application deadline set for July 15. Applicants will have the opportunity to appear before the Commission on Aug. 13, and the two mobile-only licenses will be awarded on Aug. 15.

For all other licenses, the deadline for applications aiming to launch by Dec. 1 is Sept. 12.

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.