DraftKings and Underdog first to apply for Missouri online betting licenses

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DraftKings and Underdog are the first two online operators to submit applications to operate in Missouri.

Missouri residents voted to legalize sports gambling last November, and part of that bill requires sports betting to be up and running in the state by 1 December, 2025.

There are two types of sports betting licenses up for grabs in the state, first partnering with one of the state’s existing casinos or professional sports teams, and then a standalone license for a sportsbook.

It has not been confirmed which licenses DraftKings and Underdog have applied for, but it is believed that both have applied for the standalone license, according to CBS Sports.

The Missouri Gaming Commission is issuing just two of these licenses, and most likely DraftKings and Underdog won’t be the only applicants before the 15 July deadline. FanDuel, Fanatics, Caesars, Rush Street Interactive, Penn Gaming, and Bally’s are favorites for submitting applications.

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While the MLB team St. Louis Cardinals and casino operator Century Casinos already have partnerships with operators Bet365 and BetMGM, respectively, there are still 12 more casinos and five professional sports teams that could make potential partners for the other license.

Gambling operators will have longer to prepare their applications for this licence, with the deadline not being until 12 September.

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2025/05/19: Missouri sports betting market to launch on 1 December 2025/05/14: EPIC Global Solutions and Underdog collaborate to strengthen responsible gaming education 2025/06/04: SailGP announces sports betting partnership with DraftKings and Bet365 2025/04/07: DraftKings and FanDuel sued by Baltimore officials for exploiting bettors