DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars: Who’s Winning the Missouri Sports Betting Battle?

The battle between DraftKings and Caesars began when Amendment 2 dropped, which was the law that legalized sports betting in 2004. While DraftKings supported this sports betting initiative, Caesars fought tooth and nail to try and make it fail.

As the two rivals plan to enter the Show Me state sports betting market, many sports fans would like to know who won the battle. We’ll spill the beans by revealing who was the winner of the sports betting in Missouri. We’ll also give you the key developments on the legalization of sports betting in this state.

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DraftKings making moves toward going live in MO

Missouri joined the 38 states that offer legal sports betting in the US after the approval of Amendment 2 in November 2024. While DraftKings is excited that the Missouri initiative passed, its rival gaming company, Caesars Entertainment, made it clear that it wasn’t having any of it by backing the $14 million opposition campaign.

Since Caesars owns three land-based casinos in the Show Me state, we still expect it to apply for a sports betting license even if it opposes the law. After the MGC opened its license application process on May 15th, DraftKings decided to submit its application for a sports betting license. They haven't yet revealed whether they applied for one of the two untethered sports betting licenses or they want to enter the Missouri market by partnering with one of the 13 land-based casinos or one of the six professional sports franchises.

We are not surprised to see DraftKings pursuing a Missouri sports betting license given that they cut multimillion checks along with FanDuel to back the campaign that placed the successful voting referendum on last year’s election ballot. If all goes well, it will enter the Missouri sports betting market on December 1, 2025. DraftKings is also not new in Missouri because it’s one of the biggest DFS companies that accept players from this state.

DraftKings enjoys its victory lap after beating Caesars in MO

DraftKings scored a major win after Amendment 2 passed given that it funded a large chunk of the record-setting $43 million supportive campaign. The fact that the sports betting referendum passed by a razor-thin margin also shows how it was a tight race and why DraftKings was over the moon when it was approved.

Caesars Entertainment lost the battle because it was leading the effort to oppose the MO sports betting initiative Amendment 2. Caesars entities funded the entire $14 million opposition campaign, submitted on September 13.

While Caesars had previously teamed up with Missouri casinos, national gaming operators, and professional sports teams to push for making sports betting legal through the Missouri legislature it changed its tune when it came to the sports betting initiative Amendment 2. While the approval of Amendment 2 means sports betting is officially legalized in the Show Me state, it also means that Caesars will likely be limited to one mobile betting app in Missouri.

What’s more? Since Caesars was objecting to the inclusion of untethered sports betting licenses, they lost the MO sports betting battle because Amendment 2 allows for two untethered licenses.

DraftKings is likely to obtain one of the untethered licenses after backing the initiative with cash. Obtaining this license will be a win for DraftKings, as it won’t need to partner with a professional sports team or one of the 13 brick-and-mortar casinos in the Show Me state. And since Caesars owns three land-based casinos in the Show Me state, this is a major blow to them.

Sources also reveal that Caesars was allegedly involved in the failed lawsuit that aimed to invalidate the sports betting initiative by challenging its certification. The legislation that Caesars supported allowed for up to three skins for each casino and a maximum of six for every brand.

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When will Missourians start to place bets on sports?

The legalization of sports betting in Missouri doesn't mean it is live yet. Players residing in this state will have to hold their horses till December 1, 2025, because that’s when Missouri sports betting will be available. Once sports betting goes live in Missouri, you will be able to sign up with any of the legal sportsbooks and place your bet. You can use our banners to ensure you have signed up with the right betting site or app. Missourians looking forward to betting on the 2025 NFL season will be able to do so starting from week 14. They will also be able to place bets on College Football playoff games, bowl games, and college football conference championship weekend. What’s more? Fans of the NHL will be able to wager on most of the 2025-26 NHL season.

Key developments on the legalization of sports betting in Missouri

Missourians have come a long way and are glad to see their dream of placing wagers on sports come true. The journey to legalize sports betting in the Show Me state dates back to 2018. Missouri’s sports betting launch is now on track, so let’s look at the key developments the state has made:

• The Missouri Gaming Commission has already opened the license application process.
• MGC is in the thick of setting up regulations that will ensure smooth sports betting in the state.
• Missouri Gaming Commission accepted bids for untethered mobile license applications from July 15; the public hearing is set for August 13, while the issuance of the license is scheduled for August 15.
• Those who want to team up with professional sports teams or brick-and-mortar casinos must submit their applications before September 12.
• Jan Zimmerman, MCG Chair, reaffirmed that December 1 is the official go-live date.

Concluding thoughts on DraftKings vs Caesars sports betting battle

The approval of Amendment 2 was a win for DraftKings and a loss for Caesars. It allowed DraftKings an opportunity to apply for a sports betting license without requiring a partnership with a professional sports team or a brick-and-mortar casino. DraftKings also donated a significant amount of cash in support of Missouri Amendment 2, which means they won the battle when it was approved. Caesars Entertainment opposed the initiative and dropped over $4 million to fight Missouri sports betting ballot measures. So that means they lost when it was approved. Stay tuned for MO sports betting updates, we'll keep you in the loop.

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Mac Douglass as part of our fact-checking process.