Sports betting fans in Missouri just got big news. Fanatics and ESPN BET plan to launch retail sportsbooks at the state’s top casinos, riding the wave of legal betting set to start on December 1, 2025. This move could change how locals place bets on games, but what partnerships make it happen, and how will it shake up the scene?
Key Casinos Getting the Upgrade
Missouri’s highest-earning casinos are about to add sports betting spots. Ameristar St. Charles, River City Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Ameristar Kansas City top the list for revenue from the last fiscal year. These spots pulled in the most cash, making them prime locations for new sportsbooks.
Fanatics will team up with Boyd Gaming to open at Ameristar properties in St. Charles and Kansas City. ESPN BET, run by Penn Entertainment, plans spots at Hollywood Casino and River City Casino near St. Louis. This setup covers both sides of the state, from east to west.
The launch ties into Missouri’s new sports betting rules. Lawmakers approved betting earlier this year, with retail and online options starting soon. Bettors have waited years for this, and now it’s real.
Expect lines at these casinos come December. The state could see up to eight retail sportsbooks and nine mobile ones, based on recent approvals.
Partnerships Fueling the Expansion
Big names in betting are linking arms with local casinos to grab a piece of Missouri’s market. Fanatics struck a multi-year deal with Boyd Gaming, which owns the Ameristar spots. This lets Fanatics run mobile betting too, under Boyd’s license.
On the other side, Penn Entertainment owns Hollywood and River City. They posted jobs for sportsbook managers back in August 2025, signaling plans for ESPN BET locations. Penn also runs Argosy Casino near Kansas City, but details on that one are still unfolding.
These ties matter because Missouri requires betting operators to partner with casinos or pro teams for licenses. It’s not a free-for-all; you need a local hook.
Fanatics applied for a license in August 2025 but missed out on an “untethered” spot, which went to DraftKings and Circa. So, they pivoted to Boyd for access.
ESPN BET’s parent, Penn, already has a strong foothold with its casinos. This could give them an edge in drawing crowds.
- Fanatics-Boyd deal: Covers Ameristar Kansas City and St. Charles, with retail spots and mobile betting.
- ESPN BET-Penn setup: Targets Hollywood and River City, plus possibly Argosy, focusing on east and west Missouri.
What This Means for Bettors
Picture walking into a casino and placing bets on your favorite teams right there. These new sportsbooks will offer that thrill, with features like betting windows, kiosks, and big screens for watching games.
Missouri bettors might get promo codes and bonuses to start. For example, Fanatics often gives new users bonus bets, while ESPN BET has deals tied to deposits. Stay tuned for specifics as launch day nears.
The state expects a rush. Last year, nearby states like Kansas saw betting handle soar after legalization. Missouri could follow, with estimates from gaming experts predicting millions in monthly wagers.
One key fact: Retail spots open first, with mobile betting rolling out around the same time. That means you can bet in person at these casinos starting December 1, 2025.
Safety and rules come first. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees it all, ensuring fair play and age checks. Bettors must be 21 or older.
Broader Impact on Missouri’s Gaming World
This isn’t just about betting; it’s a boost for local economies. Casinos like Ameristar and Hollywood already draw crowds. Adding sportsbooks could mean more jobs, from managers to staff running the spots.
A 2024 study by the American Gaming Association showed that legal sports betting created over 20,000 jobs nationwide since 2018. Missouri might see a slice of that, with Penn’s job postings as an early sign.
Taxes from betting will fund schools and problem gambling programs. State officials project up to $30 million in annual revenue, based on models from similar markets.
But not everyone’s cheering. Some worry about addiction risks. Groups like the National Council on Problem Gambling push for awareness, noting that easy access can lead to issues for a small but vulnerable group.
On the flip side, fans see it as fun and convenient. No more driving across state lines to bet legally.
Here’s a quick look at the top casinos involved:
| Casino Name | Location | Partner | Expected Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ameristar St. Charles | St. Charles | Fanatics (Boyd) | Retail sportsbook, mobile tie-in |
| River City Casino | Near St. Louis | ESPN BET (Penn) | Betting kiosks, game viewing areas |
| Hollywood Casino | Near St. Louis | ESPN BET (Penn) | Full-service betting windows |
| Ameristar Kansas City | Kansas City | Fanatics (Boyd) | Kiosks and screens for live action |
This table shows how the setups spread across the state.
Competition heats up too. Other operators like BetMGM and bet365 have partnerships lined up, but Fanatics and ESPN BET are front-runners at the biggest spots.
As Missouri joins 38 other states with legal sports betting, this launch marks a turning point. It started with voter approval in November 2024, after years of debate. Now, it’s game on.
The arrival of Fanatics and ESPN BET in Missouri’s top casinos promises excitement for sports fans and a fresh revenue stream for the state, but it also calls for smart play to keep things fun and safe.
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