The Missouri Gaming Commission selected DraftKings and Circa Sports as the winners of the state’s two coveted untethered online sports betting licenses.
Representatives from FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports presented their cases before the Commission on Wednesday. Each offered compelling pitches grounded in key criteria such as online betting expertise, operational history, integrity, revenue generation, promotional capacity, responsible gaming, and bettor acquisition strategy.
- DraftKings emphasized its industry-leading product and operational scale.
- FanDuel highlighted its extensive experience and consumer reach.
- Circa Sports, although acknowledging its smaller footprint, asserted its value through sharply competitive odds, high-stakes betting focus, and appeal among bettors currently outside the legal market.
The Commission reconvened Friday and awarded the two untethered licenses to DraftKings and Circa. These licenses allow each operator to offer mobile sports wagering throughout Missouri without partnering with an in-state casino or sports team.
Circa: ‘great honor’ to win untethered license
Circa CEO Derek Stevens said the brand won an untethered Missouri sports betting license by staying true to itself. Stevens used his 30-minute presentation to show regulators how Circa was different than most other sportsbooks.
“Winning one of Missouri’s first two untethered mobile betting licenses is a great honor,” Stevens said. “We came in as the long shot against national giants like DraftKings and FanDuel, but our licensure approval today proves there’s room for a different kind of operator.
“Circa Sports is built for bettors, with sharp odds, high limits and a low hold. We’ve already connected with 81,000 Missourians through our Club One loyalty program, and we’re ready to be an active part of the community, from local events to supporting youth sports.
“We didn’t win by trying to be the biggest. We won by staying true to who we are, and I want to thank the Missouri Gaming Commission for recognizing that and giving us the opportunity to bring the Circa Sports experience to the State of Missouri. We can’t wait to get started!”
DraftKings ‘pleased’ with the win
Matt Kalish, DraftKings co-founder and president of North America, said the company is pleased to win one of the two licenses that do not require a partner.
“We’re pleased to secure one of two direct mobile licenses in Missouri — paving the way for us to bring DraftKings’ industry-leading online sportsbook to fans across the state,” Kalish said.
“Missouri is home to several professional teams and deeply passionate fanbases, and we look forward to enhancing their sports experience with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform.”
FanDuel will offer Missouri sports betting
Just because FanDuel missed an untethered license does not mean the brand will be left out of Missouri.
“We appreciated the opportunity to present to the Missouri Gaming Commission and respect their decision,” a spokesperson told LSR. “We look forward to bringing our leading sportsbook product to Missouri residents.”
Licensing tethered Missouri sports betting next
This type of license grants an advantage compared to tethered models. Whereas tethered licenses must share revenue with a partner, direct mobile licenses allocate 100% of revenue to the operator (subject only to the state’s 10% tax on revenue).
Untethered or not, all Missouri sportsbooks will begin operations on Dec. 1 launch.
Operators seeking tethered (partnered) online and retail sportsbook licenses must submit their applications by Sept. 12 in order to qualify for the Dec. 1 launch.
