JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The two direct mobile sports betting licenses granted by the Missouri Gaming Commission have been awarded to DraftKings and Circa Sports.
The Missouri Gaming Commission announced the news on Friday, giving the green light to the companies to operate independently across Missouri when sports betting goes live in the state.
The license allows DraftKings and Circa Sports to operate without needing to affiliate with a land-based casino or professional sports team.
“We’re pleased to secure one of two direct mobile licenses in Missouri,” said DraftKings North America President Matt Kalish. “Paving the way for us to bring DraftKings’ industry-leading online sportsbook to fans across the state.
“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.”
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Mobile sports betting in Missouri is expected to be launched on Dec. 1, 2025. DraftKings and Circa Sports’ online sportsbooks would go live on that date, contingent upon it passing final regulatory approvals.
Circa Sports set itself apart by encouraging large wagers from professional gamblers -- also known as sharps. However, Circa admitted to state regulators during their pitch that it may not provide as much tax revenue for the state as the other two companies.
Winning one of Missouri’s first two untethered mobile betting licenses is a great honor. 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!
— Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens
Once the sportsbook is live, Missouri will be the 29th state where DraftKings operates. That list includes Kansas, which legalized sports betting in 2022.
The Missouri Gaming Commission did not award a license to FanDuel, which contributed millions toward the state campaign to legalize sports betting in the Show-Me State. FanDuel announced Friday afternoon that it agreed to a new market access agreement with St. Louis City SC.
“Missouri is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, and we are thrilled to partner with St. Louis CITY SC to introduce our industry-leading product to the Show Me State,” saidMike Raffensperger, President, Sports at FanDuel. “We look forward to supporting the team and engaging with the community as we bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to fans across Missouri.”
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Once it has launched, Missouri will be the 25th state FanDuel has mobile sports betting.
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