The Missouri Gaming Commission has officially awarded the state’s first two untethered mobile sports betting licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports, marking a major development as the Show-Me State moves toward its long-anticipated sports wagering launch on December 1, 2025.

Untethered licenses, sometimes called direct licenses, are highly sought after because they allow operators to run online sportsbooks independently—without being tied to a casino or professional sports franchise. This means both DraftKings and Circa will be able to keep full control of their platforms and revenues, subject only to Missouri’s 10% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue.

The commission emphasized that the winners were selected after a lengthy evaluation process that considered each applicant’s track record, platform security, marketing strategies, potential to generate state revenue, and commitment to responsible gambling practices.

DraftKings Expands Its National Footprint

With this decision, DraftKings strengthens its already dominant position in U.S. sports betting. The operator, which already serves 28 other states plus Washington D.C. and Ontario, will add Missouri as its 29th market once the industry goes live.

DraftKings North America President Matt Kalish, quoted by KCTV5, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We’re pleased to secure one of two direct mobile licenses in Missouri — paving the way for us to bring DraftKings’ industry-leading online sportsbook to fans across the state. Missouri is home to several professional teams and deeply passionate fanbases, and we look forward to enhancing their sports experience with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform.”

By holding an untethered license, DraftKings avoids sharing revenue with local partners, giving it a strategic financial advantage over tethered operators that must split profits with Missouri casinos or sports franchises.

Circa Sports Wins as the Underdog

While DraftKings was widely expected to secure a license, Circa Sports’ selection surprised some industry watchers. Known for catering to high-stakes bettors with aggressive odds, large betting limits, and low margins, the Las Vegas-based operator leaned heavily into its niche appeal during its pitch to Missouri regulators.

Circa CEO Derek Stevens highlighted this positioning after the license approval: “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!”

Stevens noted that Circa positioned itself as a different kind of operator—one that appeals to bettors who might otherwise place wagers through unregulated offshore markets. Despite acknowledging that Circa may not generate as much tax revenue as its larger competitors, regulators recognized the operator’s potential to diversify the market and engage serious bettors.

FanDuel Left Out, Pursues Tethered Entry

The decision left FanDuel, one of the nation’s top sportsbook brands and a major financial backer of Missouri’s legalization campaign, without one of the two prized untethered licenses. FanDuel quickly announced an alternative route into the state, revealing a market access partnership with Major League Soccer club St. Louis City SC just hours after the commission’s ruling.

Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel’s President of Sports, expressed optimism about the partnership: “Missouri is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, and we are thrilled to partner with St. Louis CITY SC to introduce our industry-leading product to the Show Me State. We look forward to supporting the team and engaging with the community as we bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to fans across Missouri.”

FanDuel’s entry will come through a tethered license, meaning it must share revenue with its team partner. Despite this, FanDuel expects to compete aggressively when the state’s betting market opens.

A Competitive Market on the Horizon

As the launch date nears, Missouri is shaping up to be a competitive sports betting market, with both untethered giants and tethered operators vying for customer loyalty. While DraftKings and Circa gain the advantage of independence, FanDuel and other potential tethered sportsbooks must finalize agreements by September 12, 2025, if they want to be ready for the statewide rollout.

With its mix of direct and partnered operators, Missouri’s sports betting landscape is expected to feature diverse options, competitive promotions, and robust consumer engagement from the outset.