Underdog Fantasy Confirms Plans to Seek Missouri Sports Betting License
When Missouri's sports betting license application window opens, Underdog Fantasy will be among the operators seeking market entry. This would mark the company's fourth state for live sports betting operations, adding to their existing presence in North Carolina and pending launches in Colorado and Ohio.
Underdog Fantasy's CEO Jeremy Levine has emphasized the company's aggressive expansion strategy, aiming to enter all newly legalized sports betting markets. They currently operate daily fantasy sports contests in Missouri through their Champions and Draft platforms.
Missouri's sports betting framework allows for:
- 19 retail sports betting licenses
- 21 online sports betting licenses
- One retail and one online license per professional sports franchise and land-based casino
- Each venue can partner with one online betting operator
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Launch Timeline Updates:
- Original target: Early summer 2025
- Current status: Delayed
- Mandatory launch deadline: December 1, 2025
- Reason for delay: Emergency rules rejected by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins
- New rules effective date (if approved): August 30, 2025
The Missouri Gaming Commission submitted proposed sports betting rules to the governor's office in early February. However, these rules were rejected for not meeting the state's emergency rulemaking criteria, pushing back the licensing process and potential launch date.
Major operators expected to join the market include FanDuel Missouri and DraftKings Missouri, alongside Underdog Fantasy and other licensed operators.