KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Gaming Commission announced Friday the two companies that will receive licenses to conduct mobile sports wagering in Missouri.
Following a meeting Friday, commissioners awarded the licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports.
Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens released a statement on winning one of the two "untethered" mobile betting licenses in Missouri.
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!
The resolution adopted by commissioners identified the two companies as “the two top-qualified applications.”
Commissioners are still able to select another applicant if either or both of the two winning bidders are “deemed unsuitable after full investigation.”
But other companies, like FanDuel, that failed to make the cut, will also be able to conduct business in the state — in a different way.
"For example, if they partner with a sports team and operate within that sports district, within 400 yards of the stadium, they'll still be able to offer an app on their phone," said Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Jan Zimmerman.
According to Zimmerman, sports betting will launch in the state on Dec. 1, 2025
"People are anxious for it to get here," she said. "We want to make sure we get it right."
On Friday night, Royals fans celebrated the possibility of betting on their team from the stadium next season. They were also excited by the chance to bet on the Chiefs by the end of this year.
"There's nothing I would love more than to place a bet in the Kingdom while we're down and then win it," said Chase Hanson.
Ethan Potter agrees.
He was with his family at Kauffman Stadium and wished he could place bets while watching the game.
"I’m always thinking in my seat, 'Man, I feel the vibe of the game. If I could bet right now, I’d be golden.'"
For Potter, sports betting in Missouri would mean the end of his state line nightmare
"I’m in the car placing bets as I’m going across the state line, and suddenly it’s like, 'You’re ineligible now, and I can’t place the bet because I just missed the line,"' Potter said.
Bob Dearasaugh lives in Kansas and will soon be able to bet while watching games in Missouri.
"I’ll probably be coming to more games and spending a little more money," Dearasaugh said.
Missouri voters narrowly passed a constitutional amendment last November, which legalized sports gambling in the Show-Me State.
The application period for sports gambling licenses in Missouri opened back in May.
Licensing rules officially take effect Aug. 30, and all other retail and mobile license applications are due by Sept. 12, “if the applicant wishes to offer sports wagering beginning on Dec. 1, 2025.”
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