Things are starting to get real for the Missouri sports betting scene.
Four of Missouri’s highest-grossing casinos — Ameristar St. Charles, River City Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Ameristar Kansas City — are partnering with either Fanatics or ESPN BET to open branded retail sportsbooks in December, coinciding with the state's legal sports betting launch.
It's a story we first reported on last month.
These retail sportsbooks are set to be among the first to open in Missouri's new regulated market, while these four casinos collectively generate more revenue annually than the rest of Missouri's casinos combined.
They're also planning to upgrade their spaces with large video walls and lots of HD screens to let visitors enjoy live games and view the latest odds as they happen.
Fanatics Sportsbooks Opening in Two Missouri Casinos
Ameristar St. Charles and Ameristar Kansas City, both owned by Boyd Gaming, will have Fanatics Sportsbook. Thanks to a multi-year partnership, they'll offer both in-person and online sports betting.
Missouri bettors will enjoy benefits like Fanatics Fair Play™ injury protection.
The Fair Play policy by Fanatics aims to safeguard bettors from unexpected events such as player injuries. It was implemented during incidents involving players like Jimmy Butler's injury that almost cost bettors during a game last season, and Anthony Davis, with his notable Christmas Day injury.
Bettors will also earn loyalty points (FanCash) on wagers that can be redeemed for sports merchandise, tickets, or additional bets—a hallmark of Fanatics retail operations in other markets.
Ameristar St. Charles serves the western suburbs of St. Louis, while Ameristar Kansas City is the only top-four casino located outside the St. Louis region.
ESPN BET Sportsbooks Opening in Two Additional Casinos
River City Casino and Hollywood Casino, both owned by PENN Entertainment, are opening sportsbooks with the ESPN BET brand.
This takes advantage of PENN's current agreements for both in-person and online betting.
With the PENN Casino mychoice program, you can earn and use points across different locations for bets, meals, and entertainment.
River City Casino is located south of St. Louis in St. Louis County, and you’ll find Hollywood Casino just across the Missouri River from Ameristar St. Charles.
What's The Latest on Online Sports Betting in Missouri?
Missouri is getting ready to introduce online and retail sports betting on December 1, 2025.
This follows the approval of Amendment 2 by voters in November 2024. Sports betting was legalized by a narrow vote, with 50.1% in favor, and the law went into effect in December 2024. Since then, the Missouri Gaming Commission has been actively working on setting up the required rules and licenses to ensure everything is ready for the launch.
Bettors will be able to deposit funds starting November 17.
DraftKings, FanDuel, and other major operators will also launch online betting at the same time. In total, up to 14 mobile sportsbook licenses will be available for casinos and teams, along with two additional online licenses.
DraftKings recently announced that it had been granted one of only two direct mobile sports betting licenses in the state.
In addition, the Missouri House narrowly passed a bill in April that is aimed at regulating video gambling machines. This signals legislative momentum toward expanding legal gambling beyond casino floors.
The arrival of Fanatics and ESPN BET at Missouri’s top casinos stands to reshape the state’s emerging sports betting landscape by merging the strong revenue performance of casinos with the renown of national sportsbook brands.
