As Missouri prepares to launch legal online sports betting on Monday, one of the most heavily marketed operators leading into the debut will not be part of opening day. Underdog has withdrawn its application to operate in the state, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC), leaving eight approved sportsbooks to accept wagers when the market officially opens.
Why Underdog Pulled Its Application
Underdog, which had heavily advertised in the lead-up to launch, removed its application earlier this month. According to MGC Executive Director Mike Leara, the company is shifting its focus toward other predictive markets that fall 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.” As Fox2now cited Leara.
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. The operators include:
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 underscores ongoing challenges in distinguishing between sports betting, fantasy contests, and predictive markets, each governed differently under Missouri law.
For bettors, the primary impact is 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: https://sportshandle.com/underdog-withdraws-from-missouri-sports-betting-launch/