Underdog Withdraws from Missouri’s Sports Betting Debut Next Week, just days ahead of the market’s official launch.

Fox2Now was first to disclose this news, later validated by Jan M. Zimmerman, Chair of the Missouri Gaming Commission. As a result of this withdrawal, Underdog will not be among the operators permitted to accept bets when Missouri commences its online and in-person sports betting at midnight on December 1.

An official from the Missouri Gaming Commission informed Sports Betting Dime that the company decided to distance itself from sports betting but retains an active license for operating fantasy sports contests.

Underdog acknowledged this decision but did not provide further details. As reported by Fox2Now, a representative from the commission stated the firm plans to redirect its focus towards prediction markets.

In early September, Underdog introduced its initial prediction market offerings following a partnership with Crypto.com, allowing users to trade and acquire contracts related to sports events across various leagues, including the NFL and college football.

This service is noted as the first of its kind between a CFTC-registered exchange and a gaming entity. Branded as Underdog Predictions, it is already operational in Missouri.

The company continues to manage daily fantasy sports across 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario. It currently provides online sports betting in North Carolina and holds a license in Ohio, though it has not yet commenced operations there.

With Underdog’s withdrawal, Missouri will have eight licensed operators available for next week’s launch. The state has initiated pre-registration and funding for customers looking to sign up with DraftKings, Circa, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, theScore Bet, bet365, and BetMGM.

This launch coincides with the conclusion of the 10-year partnership between PENN Entertainment and ESPN BET Missouri, resulting in PENN rebranding its sportsbook as theScore Bet, while ESPN BET will cease operations on December 1. Customers can still register for accounts prior to this transition; users who sign up with ESPN BET now will have their accounts transitioned to theScore Bet when the rebranding occurs.

Missouri’s sports betting regulations permit wagers to be placed anywhere within state borders without necessitating a casino visit, as long as bets are placed through an approved operator. With Underdog stepping aside, eight companies will begin accepting wagers when the market commences next week.