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In the leadup to the July 15 deadline to apply for untethered sports betting licenses, the Missouri Gaming Commission is clarifying that applicants seeking a tethered license can also apply for an untethered one.
Conceivably, an operator could hold both types of licenses when sports betting launches on Dec. 1.
According to a spokesperson for the commission:
“If a sports wagering company already has a commercial agreement with a casino or sports team for a tethered license but also elects to apply for an untethered license, that will not impact the decision-making process, as the commission will still utilize the factors identified in the constitution to make a determination on the two most qualified applicants.”
A total of 33 licenses are available
Voters narrowly approved Missouri sports betting last November. While 31 of the available 33 sports wagering licenses available require an operator to be “tethered” to a riverboat casino or professional sports team, the remaining two are “untethered” licenses that don’t require an operator to partner with a team or casino.
It was thought that the two untethered licenses would go to operators with no affiliation with pro teams or casinos in Missouri. That might not be the case, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) pointed out this week.
The commission representative also clarified how many retail and mobile licenses are up for grabs. They include:
- 19 retail licenses, one for each of 13 excursion gambling boats and one for each of the six professional sports teams
- 14 mobile licenses, one for each owner of an excursion gambling boat (six), one for each sports team (six) and two untethered licenses
While the MGC can’t expand the number of licenses available beyond what the constitutional amendment approved by voters calls for, it can, should an untethered license become available in the future, “utilize the same untethered/direct mobile application process to select a new qualified applicant.”
Approved applicants will meet with MGC on Aug. 13
The commission also said, “retail licensees have physical security and surveillance requirements that are not necessary for a mobile platform, and mobile licensees have account and software requirements that may not be applicable to retail licensees,” but applicants are otherwise treated alike.
After July 15, the MGC will begin reviewing completed applications for the two untethered licenses. The next step is a meeting with regulators on Aug. 13.
According to the spokesperson:
“There, applicants will have a chance to speak to the commission and provide additional information that may assist the commission in making a determination. The MGC will be in communication with the relevant applicants throughout that process.”
Applicants seeking a tethered license have until Sept. 12 to apply.
