Missouri Clears FanDuel Launch With $400 Offer
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (WHN) – Missouri gaming regulators have issued a final license for FanDuel to launch its mobile sports betting platform, clearing the way for operations to begin statewide next week. The approval from the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) concludes a months-long regulatory process following the legalization of sports wagering earlier this year.
FanDuel is expected to go live on Tuesday.
The company plans to enter the new market with a significant promotional offer for new customers. The pre-launch and initial sign-up bonus totals $400, according to materials reviewed by WHN. This package includes $200 in guaranteed bonus bets for users who place an initial $5 cash wager, a structure designed to attract a broad user base.
An additional component of the offer is a “No Sweat First Bet” valued at up to $200. This promotion provides a refund in the form of bonus bets if a user’s first real-money wager results in a loss, a common tactic for reducing initial risk for new bettors.
The Missouri Gaming Commission granted the provisional license during a public hearing on Friday morning.
“All approved operators have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the state’s rigorous standards for integrity and responsible gaming,” MGC Chairwoman Lena Caldwell stated in a press release. The commission’s approval is contingent on operators adhering to strict advertising and data security protocols outlined in the state’s framework.
The launch of legal sports betting is the direct result of House Bill 1941. Governor Mike Parson signed the bipartisan legislation into law after it passed with broad support. The bill established a tax rate of 10% on adjusted gross revenue from sports wagering, with funds earmarked for state education initiatives.
“This is about generating new revenue for our state and bringing a popular, but unregulated, activity into a safe and legal framework,” Governor Parson said at the time of the bill’s signing.
State fiscal analysts project that a mature sports betting market could generate between $20 million and $35 million in annual tax revenue for Missouri. The state is home to several professional sports franchises, including the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, which are expected to drive significant betting volume.
FanDuel will not be alone in the market. The MGC also approved licenses for several other major operators, including DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook, all of whom are expected to launch on the same unified start date. This sets up an immediate, competitive environment for market share in the Show-Me State.
A spokesperson for FanDuel confirmed the company is “ready and excited” to bring its platform to Missouri sports fans, calling the state a “critical market” for its national growth strategy. Marketing campaigns are already visible across digital and broadcast channels in Kansas City and St. Louis.
The official launch for all approved mobile sportsbooks is scheduled for 9:00 AM Central Time on Tuesday.
