As Missouri gears up to launch legal online sports betting on Monday, a highly promoted operator will not participate in the opening day. Underdog has withdrawn its application to operate in the state, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC), leaving eight approved sportsbooks to handle bets when the market officially opens.
Why Underdog Pulled Its Application
Underdog, which had heavily advertised before the launch, withdrew its application earlier this month. MGC Executive Director Mike Leara stated that the company is redirecting its focus to other predictive markets outside Missouri’s regulatory framework.
“They have decided to go to that market. It’s not regulated at any level compared to what traditional sports betting is regulated, and obviously, there’s no tax on it.” Leara emphasized that these predictive markets operate separately from the state’s newly regulated sports betting ecosystem.
Who Will Be Live in Missouri
With Underdog out, eight operators are licensed by the state to accept wagers starting Monday. Each operator is authorized to begin taking wagers once the market opens.
Why the Move Matters
Underdog’s late withdrawal reflects a strategic pivot toward products that avoid state-level taxation and regulatory requirements. For regulators, the decision highlights ongoing challenges in distinguishing between sports betting, fantasy contests, and predictive markets, each governed differently under Missouri law.
For bettors, the primary impact is a reduced operator variety at launch. Still, the state will offer a broad slate of top-tier sportsbooks as legal wagering begins.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com