FanDuel, the top online sportsbook in the U.S. by market share, has formally put in its request for an unlinked online sports betting license in Missouri.

This decision puts the major player in the same field as DraftKings, Bet365, BetMGM, and various other platforms as they all race towards the much-anticipated sports betting launch in the Show-Me State, scheduled for December 1, 2025.

FanDuel, which includes various esports games, is now competing alongside DraftKings as one of the first applicants for the sought-after untethered licenses, with the Missouri Gaming Commission planning to disclose the approved operators on August 15, 2025.

This application comes shortly after Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel’s parent company, announced a $1.76 billion agreement to acquire Boyd Gaming’s 5% stake, putting FanDuel’s valuation at around $31 billion. With an approximate 43% share of the national market, FanDuel’s entry into Missouri signifies a pivotal advancement for sports bettors in the state and the broader digital gambling environment.

FanDuel enters the competitive Missouri sports betting arena

Missouri is on track to be the 39th state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting. The state’s regulatory framework allows for the issuance of up to 19 retail sportsbook licenses and as many as 14 online or mobile betting licenses, including two untethered options.

Obtaining an untethered license would enable FanDuel to function independently, eliminating the obligation to share revenue or pay fees to any local casino or professional sports team. The deadline for applications for these «direct mobile licenses» is July 15, with the Missouri Gaming Commission set to announce the chosen operators on August 15.

Prospective applicants will have the chance to present their proposals directly to the commission during a public hearing on August 13, merely two days before the final decisions are made. Should their applications not succeed, they still have the option to enter the market via partnerships with one of Missouri’s 13 casinos or six professional sports teams.

Bet365 has already formed a partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball, and BetMGM has recently aligned itself with Century Casinos, which operates venues in Caruthersville and Cape Girardeau. DraftKings and Underdog Fantasy have also submitted their applications, ensuring that Missouri bettors will enjoy a diverse array of options when the market launches.

Esports betting could gain popularity in Missouri with FanDuel’s involvement

FanDuel’s foray into Missouri could set the stage for legal esports betting within the state. As a leader in the sports betting arena, FanDuel currently offers wagering on games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS2 wherever it’s permitted.

If granted approval, users in Missouri could enjoy these esports betting options alongside traditional sports when the market opens in December. This would align Missouri with other states embracing regulated esports betting, broadening the local market and appealing to new demographics.

Wagers on esports would adhere to the same regulations as other forms of betting, including the state’s age restrictions and responsible gambling practices. Overall, FanDuel’s application marks a significant step in diversifying the betting landscape in Missouri.