The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has selected Circa and DraftKings as recipients of the state’s two untethered mobile sports betting licenses.
Circa and DraftKings were selected as sports wagering direct mobile licensees by the MGC on Friday (Aug. 15), narrowly beating Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel brand (Betfair US), which was commended by the MGC for the quality of its application.
“The Commission considered many factors before the two applicants were chosen,” said Jan Zimmerman, chairman of the Missouri Gaming Commission. “We commend Betfair Interactive US, LLC for its efforts. It was a difficult decision, but the Commission is only able to grant two licenses.”
Missouri’s electorate voted in late-2024 to legalise and regulate sports betting, with the new market set to launch on December 1 of this year.
Each of the state’s 13 casinos are eligible for a license, as are Missouri’s six professional sports teams, with two online betting licences that are not linked to either teams or casinos.
“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,” said Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America.
“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.”
Derek Stevens, chief executive of Circa Sports, commented: “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 and DraftKings will now be subject to further investigatory measures by the MGC.
Having missed out on one of the direct licenses, FanDuel has agreed a Missouri market access deal with the MLS team 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,” said Mike 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.”
Applicants for the tethered licenses must submit their applications by September 12 to ensure that they will be reviewed and considered in time for the launch date of December 1.