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Big win for the two sportsbook giants.

 

Images via DraftKings and Circa Sports

 

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has awarded the state’s only two untethered mobile sports betting licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports.

 

The decision, announced on Aug. 15, allows both operators to launch mobile sportsbooks independently in Missouri starting Dec. 1, 2025.

 

“The Commission considered many factors before the two applicants were chosen,” MGC Chairman Jan Zimmerman said. “It was a difficult decision, but the Commission is only able to grant two licenses.”

 

Untethered licenses permit sportsbooks to operate without partnering with a casino or professional sports team, keeping 100 percent of their revenue aside from the state’s 10 percent tax on gross gaming revenue.

 

DraftKings and Circa Sports celebrate, FanDuel misses out

 

DraftKings at the Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo via DraftKings

 

DraftKings’ North America President, Matt Kalish, celebrated the company’s selection, stating: “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.”

 

Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens also welcomed the news, calling it “a great honour.” He highlighted Circa’s approach of offering sharp odds, high limits, and a low hold rate while noting the operator’s existing ties with 81,000 Missourians through its loyalty program.

 

“We didn’t win by trying to be the biggest. We won by staying true to who we are,” Stevens said, adding that the company plans to support local communities, including youth sports.

 

Circa Sports at the American Place in Waukegan, Illinois. Photo via Circa Sports

 

Meanwhile, FanDuel, despite investing millions in the campaign to legalize sports betting, missed out on one of the two coveted untethered licenses. To secure its presence in the state, the operator has entered into a market access agreement with Major League Soccer’s St. Louis CITY SC, allowing itself to pursue a tethered license ahead of the Sept. 12 application deadline.

 

Missouri all ready for sports betting launch

 

Voters narrowly approved Amendment 2 during the 2024 elections, making Missouri the 39th state to legalize sports wagering. The constitutional amendment authorized both in-person and online betting, with the MGC responsible for setting up regulations and issuing licenses.

 

Sports betting will officially launch in Missouri on Dec. 1, with up to 14 licensed sportsbooks expected to be operational on day one.

 

With DraftKings and Circa Sports securing Missouri’s only two untethered licenses, the state’s sports betting market is looking to be highly competitive ahead of its December launch. FanDuel and other operators will now look to tethered licenses as they seek entry into one of the newest regulated markets in the U.S.

 

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