BetMGM Takes First Step to Join Missouri Sports Betting Market

The Show-Me State is already attracting the attention of online sportsbooks.

BetMGM has announced a new partnership with Century Casinos in Missouri on Tuesday. The deal allows the Las Vegas giant to apply for a mobile sports betting license for the state. The market is set to launch on December 1.

“We are excited to partner with BetMGM, a leading online sports betting and gaming entertainment company with a dynamic and innovative brand,” a press release from Century Casinos read. “This partnership is another step forward in leveraging our Missouri licenses and delivering premium entertainment experiences for our customers.”

BetMGM’s partnership comes just days after the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) opened up the application period for licenses. They join bet365 as the only two online sportsbooks to find Missouri partnerships. However, many others have confirmed they will be pursuing partnerships over the summer. 

The MGC will begin to review license applications once the window closes on August 30, meaning BetMGM likely won’t be approved until then.

Other Sportsbooks Pursuing Missouri Partnerships

BetMGM’s new partnership is just the first of many that will be coming in the state. Missouri’s new sports betting law allows for operators to partner with tribal casinos and the state’s pro sports team. That means over 20 licenses will be available, though time will tell how many the MGC ends up filling.

Among the biggest names to be interested in joining the Missouri market is ESPN Bet. The Penn-operated sportsbook has been struggling badly in its first three years, and has left shareholders divided on the platform's future. Assuming Penn leadership isn’t removed this summer, it seems that Missouri could be the online sportsbook’s last chance for survival. 

Several other large operators are expected to apply for licenses, including industry leaders like FanDuel and DraftKings.