Missouri to begin accepting applications for sports gambling licenses this week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missouri voters narrowly approved the legalization of sports betting in early November. Six months later, there is finally movement in getting that process started.

The Missouri Gaming Commission announced on Wednesday that it will begin accepting applications for sports wagering licenses on May 15.

The commission stated that applications for the two available “Direct Mobile Licenses” are due by July 15, and that applicants for those licenses will appear before the Missouri Gaming Commission on Aug. 13.

Two days later, the commission will announce the two applicants selected for the Direct Mobile Licenses.

Any applicant for other retail and mobile licenses must submit their application by Sept. 12.

Commissioner Jan Zimmerman had initially hoped to have sports betting up and running in the summer of 2025. But in February, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected emergency licensing rules.

Hoskins has long been an opponent of sports gambling bills proposed in the Missouri legislature. In 2022, his filibuster as a state senator over the removal of video lottery terminals in sports betting legislation all but killed any bills.

The constitutionally required start date of sports wagering is no later than Dec. 1, 2025.

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.