- A BetMGM spokesperson has confirmed the company will pursue Missouri sports betting access
- The company is currently an official sports betting partner with the Kansas City Chiefs
- However, it’s unknown at this point how the company will access Missouri sports betting
BetMGM will pursue access into the future Missouri sports betting market, but how it enters the market is still unknown at this point.
A BetMGM spokesperson today confirmed the company’s interest in pursuing entrance into the Missouri sports betting market. However, the sports betting operator has yet to settle on a market access partner.
The spokesperson also confirmed that while BetMGM’s deal with the Kansas City Chiefs as an official sports betting partner is still intact, it may not be how the company enters the Missouri sports betting market.
Exploring All Missouri Sports Betting Options
In September 2021, the Chiefs and BetMGM announced a joint partnership that named BetMGM as an official sports betting partner of the NFL franchise.
Under the state’s sports betting legislation, each professional sports franchise and land-based casino will be eligible for one retail sports betting license and one online sports betting license. Each individual team and casino will also be able to partner with up to one online sports betting operator.
The multi-year partnership is still intact, the BetMGM spokesperson confirmed with Sports Betting Dime. However, it may not be the partnership that leads to BetMGM receiving Missouri sports betting market access.
The company is looking at all of its options and exploring a variety of access partners. It may also choose to partner with a brick-and-mortar casino for market access, the spokesperson said.
“There are a variety of options available to us. We’re still still exploring access partners, but we should know soon.”
Sports betting partnerships are already beginning to form in the state. Just this week bet365 announced a sports betting partnership with another Missouri professional sports team.
Missouri sports betting is likely to launch sometime in the fall.
St. Louis Cardinals, bet365 Announced Partnership
Earlier this week, the St. Louis Cardinals announced a multi-year partnership with bet365, which will provide the sports betting operator with access to the yet-to-be-launched Missouri sports betting market.
According to the partnership, bet365 will have advertising rights on the Cardinals radio broadcasts, Cardinals Insider TV show, cardinals.com, and signage at the ballpark that will be visible on television broadcasts.
Additionally, bet365 now has a partner that provides the operator with market access when the state opens its sports betting license application process.
Underdog Also Interested in Missouri
Recently, Underdog Fantasy confirmed to Sports Betting Dime that it will be applying for a Missouri sports betting license as well.
The company confirmed as much with Sports Betting Dime, as it will apply for a sports betting license when the application period opens. Underdog Fantasy currently offers online sports betting in North Carolina and holds active sports betting licenses in both Colorado and Ohio, but has yet to launch in either state.
The operator did not yet mention any partnerships in the state.
BetMGM, one of the leading sports betting operators in the United States, has been eyeing the lucrative Missouri sports betting market for quite some time. However, their plans to enter the market have hit a roadblock as the identity of their market access partner remains unknown.
In order to operate in Missouri, sports betting operators are required to partner with a licensed casino in the state. This partnership is crucial for BetMGM as it allows them to offer their online sports betting services to Missouri residents.
Despite their efforts to secure a market access partner, BetMGM has been unable to finalize a deal with any of the licensed casinos in Missouri. This has left their plans to enter the market in limbo, as they are unable to launch their sports betting platform without a partner.
The uncertainty surrounding BetMGM’s entry into the Missouri sports betting market has raised questions about the company’s future in the state. With other sports betting operators already establishing a presence in Missouri, BetMGM risks falling behind if they are unable to secure a market access partner soon.
In the meantime, BetMGM continues to focus on expanding their presence in other states where they already have a foothold. They recently launched their sports betting platform in Arizona and are planning to enter additional states in the near future.
Despite the challenges they are facing in Missouri, BetMGM remains optimistic about their prospects in the rapidly growing sports betting market. They are confident that they will be able to overcome the obstacles and establish a strong presence in Missouri once they secure a market access partner.
Overall, BetMGM’s plans to enter the Missouri sports betting market may be uncertain at the moment, but the company remains committed to expanding their reach and offering their services to sports bettors in the state. Only time will tell if they are able to overcome the hurdles and successfully enter the Missouri market.