Published on: August 25, 2025, 02:18h.
Updated on: August 25, 2025, 02:28h.
- Fanatics partners with regional casino operator to make a move into Missouri
- Boyd’s notable first sports betting agreement since divesting its FanDuel share
Fanatics Betting and Gaming announced on Monday its entry into the Missouri sports betting market through a collaboration with regional casino operator Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD).
Recently, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) granted untethered online sportsbook licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports. This means that other companies looking to offer sports betting in Missouri must partner with local professional sports teams or land-based casinos. Thus, Fanatics sought a Missouri-based partner.
“Under the terms of our multi-year partnership, Fanatics Sportsbook will launch mobile sports betting under Boyd’s license in Missouri,” stated Fanatics. “The companies will establish Fanatics-branded retail sportsbooks at Boyd’s Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City and Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa St. Charles, close to St. Louis. We anticipate offering our online and retail products with the introduction of regulated sports betting in Missouri this December, pending all necessary regulatory approvals.”
Financial details surrounding the partnership between Boyd and Fanatics have not been disclosed. Online sports betting is projected to become operational in Missouri this December.
Strategic Move by Boyd
The deal with Fanatics is intriguing for Boyd as it marks the casino operator’s first significant sports betting agreement since divesting its 5% share in FanDuel to Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT).
This transaction was concluded in late July, netting Boyd $1.758 billion, which the company plans to use to pay down debt. Additionally, Boyd and Flutter extended other aspects of their partnership until 2038.
This context makes it particularly interesting that Fanatics chose to team up with Boyd to break into Missouri rather than with FanDuel. Many industry observers were surprised to see Circa awarded one of the state’s untethered licenses, compelling FanDuel—the largest online sportsbook in the U.S.—to affiliate with St. Louis City SC of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Fanatics Provides Unique Offers in Missouri
While FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the online sports betting landscape in the U.S., Fanatics has made noteworthy progress in various states, partly due to its aggressive promotional strategies.
This should not undermine Fanatics’ achievements in a highly competitive market; such tactics could effectively attract customers in Missouri.
“When we launch this December, sports enthusiasts throughout Missouri will have the opportunity to download the Fanatics Sportsbook app on iOS and Android, beginning their journey with Fanatics. Fans can look forward to unique benefits with Fanatics Sportsbook, including up to 10% FanCash back on every wager, whether they win or lose; Fair Play™ injury protection; and exclusive events and experiences that only Fanatics can provide,” the statement read.