FanDuel and Gambling.com Group launched in Missouri on December 1. They weren’t alone.
DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars and bet365 also went live in the Show Me State. FanDuel got market access through a partnership with St. Louis City SC, the professional soccer team. Missouri marks the operator’s 25th US state or territory where it’s currently active.
Gambling.com Group worked through its GDC America subsidiary. That unit secured a temporary supplier licence from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The license lets them integrate their OpticOdds sports data division into the new market.
Gambling.com Group CEO Charles Gillespie said Missouri sports fans “deserve legal and regulated sports betting experiences.” The company actually launched its BetMissouri site back in 2022, anticipating this moment.
Why Missouri Finally Got Sports Betting
Voters approved Amendment 2 in November 2024. That decision opened the door for regulated online wagering.
The move reflects growing demand for legal betting options. Missouri fans had been pushing for this for years. And the state’s finally catching up with neighbouring markets.
“The launch of legal sports betting in Missouri underscores the growing demand for regulated online wagering,” Gillespie noted.
But not everyone’s joining the party. MGC Executive Director Mike Leara confirmed on November 26 that Underdog Fantasy won’t enter Missouri. The company’s focusing on states where prediction markets haven’t been regulated yet.
What FanDuel and Others Delivered
FanDuel came in with a $600,000 community commitment. The operator donated $300,000 to Guns N’ Hoses, a St. Louis nonprofit supporting families of fallen or catastrophically injured first responders. Another $300,000 went to Kansas City’s Veterans Community Project.
FanDuel employees plan to volunteer with the Veterans Community Project on December 3. That’s part of the operator’s launch week activities.
FanDuel Sportsbook Managing Director Karol Corcoran called Missouri’s launch “a huge moment for our business.” He highlighted the company’s “leading product and parlay experience” and promotional offerings like the Missouri Super Boost.
The promotion gives customers a chance to win up to $50 if one point gets scored during Monday Night Football.
How Competition Shapes Missouri’s Market
The simultaneous launch of multiple major operators creates fierce competition from day one. Market share battles will define Missouri’s betting landscape.
Each operator brings different strengths. FanDuel touts its position as “America’s #1 Sportsbook.” Others have their own advantages in technology, odds, or promotional offerings.
The crowded field means Missouri bettors get plenty of options. Operators will compete hard on promotions and user experience to attract customers. That typically benefits players through better odds and bigger bonuses.
The community support angle matters too. FanDuel’s $600,000 in donations sets a precedent for corporate responsibility in the market.
