Underdog pulled its application for a Missouri sports betting license just days before market launch. The Royals’ tethered license slot could open the door for another qualified operator to eventually enter the market.
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The Kansas City Royals are searching for a new sports wagering partner, a club spokesperson told Spectrum News on Wednesday.
Underdog withdrew its application for a Missouri sports betting license just days before the state’s market launch, ending a multi-year partnership with the Royals announced in September that included market access for sports betting.
Key Takeaways
- The Royals are seeking a replacement sportsbook partner after Underdog withdrew its Missouri license application.
- Underdog’s exit leaves Missouri with eight mobile platforms for Monday’s sports betting launch.
- DraftKings is expanding its Missouri presence with a launch celebration and a Spanish-language app upgrade.
Underdog has operated in Missouri for years as a licensed daily fantasy sports provider and was among the first companies to apply when the state opened submissions for sportsbook licenses. It currently remains a DFS operator in the state.
After filing its application, Underdog pursued several agreements to support its sportsbook rollout. It secured a tethered revenue-share partnership with the Royals, designed to provide market access, and later signed a separate multi-year marketing agreement with the St. Louis Blues.
The Royals previously held a non-gambling partnership with the company. The Blues deal granted Underdog rights to use intellectual property, team video assets, and in-arena elements for promotional activity inside Missouri.
Underdog underwent a significant marketing campaign ahead of launch, presenting itself as an incoming sportsbook operator. The decision to withdraw leaves eight approved mobile platforms set to go live when statewide wagering begins Monday.
Both the Royals and Blues are now evaluating their next steps, with the Royals’ tethered license slot opening the door for another qualified operator to enter the market.
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DraftKings builds momentum ahead of Missouri launch
The Royals’ shift comes as other operators accelerate their rollout plans in Missouri. DraftKings announced two initiatives tied to Monday’s market opening. The company will host a launch celebration at the Palladium in St. Louis on Dec. 1.
Three notable state-linked athletes, Tony Gonzalez, Isaac Bruce, and Brett Hull, will place the opening wagers as the Missouri sports betting market officially goes live. Missouri House speaker Jonathan Patterson is scheduled to deliver remarks following the event.
DraftKings also announced a $50,000 donation to the Veterans Community Project, which works to end veteran homelessness in Missouri. The contribution marks one of its first localized initiatives in the state.
The operator revealed an upgrade to its mobile app that introduces a Spanish-language feature. Chief product officer Corey Gottlieb said the new feature expands the company’s reach within Missouri while offering current users an alternative interface designed to make navigation more intuitive.
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