Missouri Grants Sports Betting Licenses to DraftKings, Circa

The Missouri Gaming Commission granted two untethered sports betting licenses on Friday. One of them went to a big name in the industry, while the other was issued to a pesky challenger that has intentions on bringing innovative sportsbook features to the state.

DraftKings received one of the two untethered Missouri sports betting licenses

That means the company will pay for and be licensed directly to provide sports betting in the state, as opposed to being attached to a partner like a casino or professional sports team.

The second license was secured from by Circa Sports, which will enter its sixth state when it launches later this year in Missouri.

The Show Me State is expected to debut legal sports betting, including online sportsbooks, on December 1, 2025, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC).

Last year, a ballot proposal that altered the state constitution to allow for sportsbooks was given the thumbs up by Missouri voters.

The MGC considered these factors in awarding the licenses on Friday:

1. Expertise in business
2. Integrity, sustainability, and safety
3. Past relevant experience
4. Advertising and promotional plans
5. Ability to generate revenue for the state
6. Commitment to responsible gaming
7. Capacity to increase the number of betters on their platform

DraftKings Sportsbook among market leaders

Most sports bettors are familiar with DraftKings, which blanketed Missouri with advertising in support of legal sports betting. With headquarters in Boston, DraftKings became a major player in Daily Fantasy Sports in the early part of the 21st century.

A sportsbook followed in 2018 after the U.S. Supreme Court made an historical ruling that cleared the way for states to permit legal sports wagering.

DraftKings has grown to become a market leader, either ranking first or second in total handle and revenue in most states.

The DraftKings Sportsbook is available in 36 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico

But while sports fans in Missouri have likely seen the DraftKings logo often on sports broadcasts and on signage in arenas, they may be unfamiliar with Circa Sports.

What to expect from Circa Sports in Missouri

Circa Sports is based in Las Vegas, and has been more cautious and selective about entering other state markets. It operates currently in Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Kentucky.

To differentiate itself from better-known competitors, Circa has focused on offering cheaper odds on many sporting events.

Industry observers note that Circa frequently takes a smaller piece of the action from bets, or what can also be described as the "vig" or representation of the cost of placing a wager.

Circa has also announced plans to introduce innovative technology and betting markets

In some states the sportsbook offers exclusive parlay and betting markets for MMA and UFC events, for example.

The Missouri Gaming Commission will likely release a sprots wagering catalog before December that lists the sports and athletic events that are allowed to be bet on.

FanDuel secures betting partnership with St. Louis City SC

Denied an untethered sports betting license, FanDuel will still be on the market in December in Missouri for the launch. The company quickly pivoted and secured a tethered license with the St. Louis City SC of Major League Soccer.

FanDuel Sportsbook is the total handle leader in the United States, but in many states the company is locked in a tight competition with rival DraftKings.

Depending on the sources, the two online betting giants account for between 60 and 70 percent of the total wagers placed legally on sports in this country.

“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,” FanDuel president Mike Raffensperger said in a statement.

“We look forward to supporting the team and engaging with the community as we bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to fans across Missouri,” Raffensperger added.

The St. Louis City SC, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL, and the St. Louis Blue of the National Hockey League can partner with gaming operators to bring a sportsbook to the Missouri market.