The Missouri sports betting picture is becoming clearer as the December 1 launch approaches. This includes finally getting an answer regarding which pro sports team Underdog is linking up with regarding market access. Underdog and MLB’s Kansas City Royals announced a multi-year partnership Monday afternoon.
Besides market access, the deal includes marketing campaigns and philanthropic efforts. As far as why the Royals, Stacie Stern, Underdog’s senior vice president of government affairs and partnerships, highlighted the similarities such as the “real, organic connection with sports fans.”
“We are going to work with Royals to bring the best sports betting experience possible to fans in Missouri, while we continue to drive the innovation in sports gaming and expand our product offerings in new states,” Stern said.
Underdog Sportsbook is currently only available in North Carolina. Its daily fantasy sports product, however, is live in 41 states plus Washington, D.C. Missouri is one of the 41 states.
Underdog is one of nine sportsbooks confirmed for the December 1 Missouri sports betting launch. Licensed sportsbooks will be permitted to start taking bets at 12:01 a.m. December 1. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is expected to share the complete list of eligible sportsbooks by October 22.
Underdog has a pending sports betting license being reviewed by the MGC. The eight other confirmed sports betting operators and their partners are:
The Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), St. Louis Blues (NHL), Kansas City Current (NWSL), and Sporting KC (MLS) have yet to lock up Missouri sports betting partnerships. There are still five Missouri online sports betting licenses available.
The Royals’ partnership with Underdog isn’t that surprising due to a previously existing business relationship.
“We’ve partnered with them on some our most engaging fan programs, like Bark in the Park and the Underdog Hot Dog Derby, and we look forward to working Underdog to provide Royals fans throughout Missouri the opportunity to have even more fun while watching sports,” Brooks Sherman, Royals president of business operations, said.
The Underdog Hot Dog Derby takes place at Royals weekend home games. People dressed up in ketchup, mustard, and relish outfits race around the field.
Kansas City wrapped up the 2025 season Sunday afternoon with a 4-3 loss to the Athletics. The Royals missed the MLB postseason following an 82-80 record.
Come December 1, Royals 2026 World Series futures will be available via legal Missouri sports betting apps.
