When Missouri sports betting launches this December, ESPN Bet wants to be live. The Penn Entertainment brand took a big step toward making those plans a reality this week by submitting its application to the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC). Friday, September 12 is the deadline for operators looking to qualify for a temporary Missouri sports betting license for the anticipated December 1 launch.
Like other states, Missouri’s sports betting law requires operators to partner with a professional sports team or land-based casino. ESPN Bet has an easy access point due to Penn Entertainment’s three casinos in the Show-Me State. In addition to the ESPN Bet app, the company plans to open retail sportsbooks at its Argosy Riverside, Hollywood St. Louis, and River City casinos.
ESPN Bet is available in 20 U.S. jurisdictions, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
ESPN Bet will be one of several options available to Missouri sports bettors come December. Last month, the MGC awarded untethered sports betting licenses to DraftKings and Circa. Only two were available. Some might view Circa being selected over FanDuel as an upset. FanDuel has since announced a market access agreement with MLS team St. Louis SC.
Bet365 is partnering with the St. Louis Cardinals while BetMGM is teaming up with Century Casinos. Fanatics is working with Boyd Gaming. Underdog and Caesars have applied for licenses as well, but have yet to announce market access deals. Ones with the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), and St. Louis Blues (NHL) are still available.
| Operator | Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Untethered License | Confirmed for launch |
| Circa | Untethered License | Confirmed for launch |
| FanDuel | St. Louis City SC (MLS) | Confirmed for launch |
| bet365 | St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) | Confirmed for launch |
| BetMGM | Century Casinos | Confirmed for launch |
| ESPN BET | Penn Entertainment | Confirmed for launch |
| Fanatics | Boyd Gaming | Confirmed for launch |
| Underdog | TBD | Applied for license |
| Caesars | TBD | Applied for license |
The MGC September deadline allows the nine anticipated sports betting apps enough time to conduct testing and be ready for launch day. The commission has explained the importance of meeting the deadline on its website with a header notice.
“Submitting applications on time ensures they will be thoroughly reviewed and considered promptly,” the commission said. “Meeting the deadline allows for the issuance of temporary licenses, enabling Sports Wagering Suppliers to test and certify all necessary systems and equipment before the launch date.”
ESPN Bet is taking advantage of joining the lone new U.S. sports betting market opening this year. North Carolina, Vermont, and Maine were the last three states to legalize sports betting. North Carolina and Vermont launched last year while Maine went live in 2023. ESPN Bet is available in North Carolina.
The NFL regular season is a big one for sports betting operators. Gamblers will find some of the most generous promos during launch and when football games are being played. Missouri sports betting is going live during NFL Week 13, which means ESPN Bet will be available for the final six weeks of the regular season plus the playoffs, and Super Bowl.
Missouri will be the 39th U.S. jurisdiction to offer legal sports betting, and among 32 to offer mobile and retail wagering.
