• The Missouri Gaming Commission has awarded its two direct, untethered mobile sports betting licences to DraftKings and, in a surprise decision, Circa Sports.
• Market giant FanDuel, which had also applied for a direct licence, was not selected but has since secured market access through a partnership with St. Louis CITY SC.
• Mobile sports betting is scheduled to go live in Missouri on 1 December 2025.
• Circa Sports, a smaller, bettor-focused operator, won its licence with a pitch emphasising high limits, low hold percentages, and strong local community engagement.
• The decision is a significant victory for Circa and signals that the MGC is open to a diversity of operator models beyond the national market leaders.

The competitive landscape of Missouri’s forthcoming mobile sports betting market has been defined, with the state’s Gaming Commission awarding its two highly sought-after direct licences to DraftKings and Circa Sports. The decision, announced on 15 August, paves the way for a market launch on 1 December 2025.

“We’re pleased to secure one of two direct mobile licences in Missouri,” 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.”

An Unexpected Outcome: Circa In, FanDuel Out

While DraftKings’ success was widely anticipated, the Commission’s decision to award the second licence to Las Vegas-based Circa Sports over industry giant FanDuel is a significant development. Circa, a much smaller operator known for its bettor-friendly model of high limits and low hold percentages, successfully pitched its unique approach to the regulator.

The win is a major coup for the challenger brand as it expands its footprint outside of Nevada. “We didn’t win by trying to be the biggest. We won by staying true to who we are,” said Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens. “ Circa Sports is built for bettors, with sharp odds, high limits, and a low hold. We can’t wait to get started!”

FanDuel Pivots to Partnership Model

Despite being a key advocate during the state’s legalisation efforts, FanDuel was unsuccessful in its bid for one of the direct licences. However, the company has quickly pivoted to secure its entry into the market via another route. Shortly after the Commission’s decision, FanDuel announced it had signed a market access agreement with the Major League Soccer team St. Louis CITY SC.

This ensures that FanDuel will still be on the starting line when the market goes live in December, though it will be operating through a partnership model rather than as an independent licensee.

What This Means for Missouri Bettors

The Missouri Gaming Commission’s decision is a noteworthy one. By selecting Circa’s distinct, high-limit model alongside the mass-market offerings of DraftKings, the regulator has signalled a clear intent to foster a diverse and competitive environment, rather than simply awarding licences to the largest national players.

With at least three major brands now confirmed for the 1 December launch, Missouri is positioned to become a dynamic and closely watched new market in the American Midwest.