Fanatics Sportsbook Applies for Missouri Sports Betting Licenses

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed that Fanatics has applied for both a retail and an online sports betting license.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: August 6, 2025 2:21 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Fanatics Sportsbook Applies for Missouri Sports Betting Licenses — Pictured: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to media after training camp at Missouri Western State University. Photo by Denny Medley via Imagn Images.

The launch of our best sports betting sites in Missouri is drawing nearer every day.

Fanatics Sportsbook has become the fifth operator to apply for a Missouri sports betting license before the market's launch on Dec. 1. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) confirmed that Fanatics has applied for both a retail and an online sports betting license, but has not yet disclosed its market access partner in the state.

Operators looking to enter the market must apply through partnerships with one of the state's 13 casinos or five professional sports franchises. Fanatics, which is already live in 22 states plus Washington D.C., could expand its operations to 23 states if the Missouri application is approved.

Under the regulatory framework passed earlier this year, Missouri will issue up to 19 retail and 14 online licenses. Fanatics has applied for both categories, and if accepted, you'll be sure to find Fanatics Sportsbook promos amongst the most popular Missouri sportsbook promos.

The MGC is expected to issue licenses on Aug. 15.

DraftKings, Underdog among first to submit applications

DraftKings and Underdog submitted applications in June to operate sportsbooks in Missouri, making these the first operators to do so. The MGC confirmed the submissions and expects more of the best sports betting apps to follow before the Sept. 12 deadline.

Operators can apply through two channels. The first is a tethered license, which requires a partnership with one of Missouri's casinos or professional sports teams. With some agreements, 12 casinos and five pro sports teams remain available for partnerships.

The second option is one of two untethered licenses available to standalone operators. While the commission has not confirmed which license type DraftKings and Underdog applied for, their early applications suggest they may be targeting untethered licenses. These licenses offer operators the advantage of independent market entry without sharing revenue with local partners.

Underdog already operates a daily fantasy sports product in Missouri and recently launched its first sportsbook in North Carolina, while DraftKings is licensed in more than 20 states across the US.

Century Casinos Partners with BetMGM

Century Casinos announced in May that it had entered into a long-term partnership with BetMGM to bring retail and online sports betting to Missouri. The agreement will see BetMGM operate under Century's license, with Century receiving a share of net gaming revenue and a guaranteed minimum payment included in the terms.

The deal includes provisions for launching a mobile sportsbook and the potential for a retail sportsbook location at Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau. Century Casinos will exercise the retail option at its discretion.

The launch remains subject to regulatory approval and the issuance of the required licenses.

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.