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Missouri finally made its first official call in the sports betting race, awarding the state’s two untethered mobile licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports. That decision set the stage for the December 1 launch, but it also raised new questions: What happens to FanDuel? Will other big sportsbooks still find their way into the Show-Me State?
The short answer—yes, most of the top names in the industry will be in Missouri by the end of the year. The longer story is where it gets interesting.
Why DraftKings and Circa Got the Nod
When the Missouri Gaming Commission sat down to hand out its Missouri sports betting untethered licenses, it wasn’t a random draw. The criteria were spelled out clearly: business expertise, integrity, past experience, advertising and promo plans, revenue potential, commitment to responsible gaming, and ability to attract new bettors.
DraftKings checked nearly every box with ease. It has a proven product, millions of existing customers, and deep experience in launching state after state. The company also projected massive revenue—up to $175 million annually once the market matures—which translates to serious tax dollars for Missouri schools and responsible gaming programs.
Circa Sports, on the other hand, didn’t have the same size or marketing firepower. What it did have was a unique model: big betting limits, low holds, and odds that appeal to sharp players as well as casual bettors tired of gimmicks. CEO Derek Stevens admitted Circa can’t match the marketing spend of DraftKings or FanDuel. Still, he argued that his book would pull in customers who might otherwise never use a regulated sportsbook. That argument stuck, and Circa scored its biggest expansion win to date.
What This Means for FanDuel
FanDuel wasn’t chosen for one of the untethered licenses, which shocked plenty of people. After all, it’s the largest sportsbook in the United States by handle and revenue. FanDuel also helped bankroll Missouri’s ballot measure alongside DraftKings, pumping millions into the campaign to legalize sports betting.
So is FanDuel in trouble? Not really. The company has already announced a partnership with St. Louis CITY SC of Major League Soccer. That deal secures market access through a tethered license, which allows FanDuel to operate in Missouri by tying itself to a pro team. While tethered operators must share revenue with their partner, FanDuel’s size and resources give it plenty of room to maneuver.
The truth is, FanDuel will still be a major player when Missouri launches sports betting. Missing out on an untethered license stings financially, but it doesn’t knock them out of the game.
The Advantage for DraftKings and Circa
For DraftKings and Circa, being untethered is a serious leg up. Unlike FanDuel and other tethered operators, they won’t have to share revenue with a casino or sports franchise. That means more money to reinvest into promotions, odds boosts, and player-friendly features.
It also gives them cleaner operations. Without a revenue-sharing partner, both companies control their own strategies from top to bottom. DraftKings can keep running its wide-net marketing campaigns while Circa can stick to its sharp-friendly model without compromise.
Who Else Is Coming to Missouri?
DraftKings, Circa, and FanDuel are just the first wave. Missouri is expected to have around 14 sportsbooks in total once tethered licenses are sorted out. That lineup will feature most of the big names bettors already know:
- Caesars Sportsbook — Already tied to Missouri casinos, making its entry smooth.
- BetMGM — Partnered with Century Casinos and expected to be live for launch.
- bet365 — Secured access through the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the biggest brands in the state.
- ESPN BET — Expected to operate at Argosy Riverside, River City Casino, and Hollywood Casino St. Louis.
- Fanatics Sportsbook — Has applied for a license and is already planning for a December 1 launch.
- Underdog — Another applicant, likely to secure a tethered deal soon.
Beyond that, names like BetRivers, Hard Rock, and Bally Bet are also on the radar. By early 2026, Missouri’s market will look a lot like other big betting states: multiple operators battling for customer loyalty.
Why December 1 Feels Like Forever
Sports betting passed at the ballot box in November 2024, but Missourians have had to wait more than a year to place their first legal wager. Fans expected to be betting on the Chiefs this September, yet the official launch isn’t until December 1.
It’s been a frustrating delay for many, but state regulators insist the time is needed to finalize rules, process applications, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Missouri Gaming Commission Chair Jan Zimmerman put it simply: “We want to make sure we get it right.”
The payoff for the state is clear. With a 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue, Missouri could see close to $30 million in annual tax dollars. That money will go first toward covering regulatory costs, then to a compulsive gambling prevention fund, and finally into education.
What Bettors Can Expect
Once December 1 arrives, Missouri bettors will be spoiled for choice. DraftKings will bring its polished app and giant bonus offers. Circa will come in with sharp lines and the ability to take bigger bets than almost anyone else. FanDuel will lean on its user-friendly product and now has the hometown connection with St. Louis CITY SC.
Other operators will try to stand out with local partnerships, unique promos, or loyalty programs. Bet365, for example, often leans on live streaming and niche betting markets. Caesars pushes its integration with Caesars Rewards, which ties sports betting to real-world perks at casinos and resorts.
For bettors, the launch should mean aggressive promotions, plenty of options, and competitive odds as each operator fights to win early market share.
Missouri’s Betting Scene Is Just Getting Started
DraftKings and Circa winning the untethered licenses was only the first chapter. FanDuel will still be in the state, tethered but strong. Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, and others are lining up to enter, which means Missouri will launch with one of the most competitive sportsbook markets in the country.
For Circa, it’s a breakthrough moment, giving them equal footing with giants like DraftKings and FanDuel in at least one state. For DraftKings, it’s another expansion win. For FanDuel, it’s a reminder that even the biggest player doesn’t always get what it wants, though its MLS deal shows it’s not backing down.
The real winners, though, are Missouri sports fans. Come December, whether you’re betting on the Chiefs, Cardinals, Blues, or college hoops, you’ll have more ways than ever to get in on the action.
