Published on: August 15, 2025, 10:39h.

Updated on: August 15, 2025, 11:15h.

• The Missouri Gaming Commission has selected DraftKings and Circa Sports for its two independent online sportsbook licenses.
• The mobile licenses are particularly valuable, as they do not require revenue sharing with physical partners.
• FanDuel was unexpectedly overlooked during the selection process.

Derek Stevens is no stranger to success; he has significantly transformed downtown Las Vegas with Circa. His most recent achievement, however, has emerged from the Show-Me State.

On Friday, after hearing testimonies from representatives of major sportsbooks including FanDuel and DraftKings, along with Stevens and Circa Sports, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) surprised the industry by granting its prized untethered online sportsbook licenses to DraftKings and Circa, with the latter being an unexpected choice.

“The Missouri Gaming Commission has selected DraftKings and Circa Sports as the two most qualified candidates for the available direct mobile licenses,” stated an MGC resolution dated August 15. “Should any of the top candidates be found unsuitable after thorough investigation, the Commission will select another from the remaining applicants.”

In a statewide referendum during the 2024 election, Missouri voters approved both retail and online sports betting. Amendment 2 passed by a narrow margin of fewer than 3,000 votes.

Tethered mobile sportsbooks are required to share a portion of their winnings with their physical partner, while untethered sportsbooks retain 100% of their revenue, making these two available licenses very valuable in Missouri, the 19th most populous state in the U.S.

Success for Circa and DraftKings

DraftKings winning one of the untethered sportsbook licenses was not a surprise. The Boston-based company holds approximately 35% of the mobile sports betting market outside of Nevada, according to online sports betting and iGaming analyst Alfonso Straffon.

DraftKings operates mobile sports betting services in 25 states, including Washington, DC.

“We’re excited to secure one of the two direct mobile licenses in Missouri, which enables us to bring DraftKings’ leading online sportsbook to fans throughout the state,” commented Matt Kalish, the president of DraftKings North America. “Missouri boasts several professional teams and enthusiastic fanbases, and we are eager to enhance their sports experience with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform.”

FanDuel currently leads the market in terms of mobile gross gaming revenue (GGR), holding nearly 39% market share, and operates its online sportsbook in 23 states, plus Washington, DC.

Despite being operational in only Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Kentucky, Circa Sports commands less than 1% of the mobile sports betting market. However, Stevens, who presented Circa Sports’ case to the MGC, successfully appealed to the commissioners.

“Winning one of Missouri’s inaugural untethered mobile betting licenses is a significant honor,” Stevens stated in a press release.

“We entered as the underdog against established competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel, but our approval today demonstrates that there’s room for a different kind of operator. Circa Sports is tailored for bettors, offering sharp odds, high limits, and a low hold. I extend my gratitude to the Missouri Gaming Commission for acknowledging this and providing us with the chance to introduce the Circa Sports experience to Missouri. We are eager to begin,” Stevens added.

Details on Mobile Licenses

Subject to favorable background checks, DraftKings and Circa Sports will each pay $500,000 for their Missouri online sportsbook licenses, with annual renewals also set at $500,000.

Missouri will impose a 10% tax on all sportsbook revenues, whether originating from online platforms or retail bets, a notable advantage given that the average sports betting tax nationwide hovers around 19%.