Missouri Greenlights DraftKings and Circa Sports for Mobile Betting Launch

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The Missouri Gaming Commission has officially awarded the state’s first two direct mobile sports betting licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports. This decision paves the way for mobile sports wagering to launch in Missouri on December 1, 2025. FanDuel, another major contender, did not secure one of these initial licenses but may pursue partnerships with existing entities.

Key Takeaways

DraftKings and Circa Sports have been granted the two exclusive "untethered" mobile sports betting licenses in Missouri.
Mobile sports betting is slated to officially begin in the state on December 1, 2025.
FanDuel, despite significant investment in the legalization campaign, was not awarded a direct license but is exploring alternative market access agreements.
Other entities, including casinos and professional sports franchises, can still apply for licenses by partnering with existing operations.

DraftKings and Circa Secure Top Licenses

The Missouri Gaming Commission announced its decision on Friday, granting the coveted licenses to DK Crown Holdings, Inc. (DraftKings) and Circa Hospitality Group I, LLC (Circa Sports). These "untethered" licenses allow the companies to operate independently without needing to be affiliated with a brick-and-mortar casino or a professional sports team within the state. The commission cited a rigorous evaluation process, considering factors such as business expertise, integrity, revenue generation potential, and commitment to responsible gaming.

FanDuel’s Next Steps

FanDuel, a prominent player in the sports betting industry, was also vying for one of the two direct mobile licenses. Despite contributing significantly to the campaign that legalized sports betting in Missouri, FanDuel was ultimately not selected for an independent license. However, the company has already announced a new market access agreement with Major League Soccer franchise St. Louis City SC, indicating their continued commitment to entering the Missouri market through a partnership.

What This Means for Missouri Bettors

The awarding of these licenses marks a significant milestone for sports betting in Missouri. Fans can anticipate the launch of mobile sports wagering on December 1, 2025. This will allow residents to place bets on a wide range of sporting events directly from their mobile devices. Circa Sports, known for catering to professional gamblers with high limits, expressed excitement about entering the Missouri market, emphasizing their unique approach. DraftKings also shared enthusiasm, looking forward to bringing their industry-leading platform to passionate Missouri sports fans.

Future Licensing Opportunities

While DraftKings and Circa Sports have secured the initial direct mobile licenses, the process is not entirely closed for other operators. The Missouri Gaming Commission has stated that completed applications for other retail and mobile licenses must be received by September 12, 2025, for those wishing to offer sports wagering by the December 1st launch date. These licenses will likely require partnerships with existing casinos or professional sports franchises, a route FanDuel is already pursuing.