DraftKings, FanDuel, Circa Appear Before Missouri Officials, Seeking Mobile License

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Larry Henry

Last Updated: Aug 13^th, 2025

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DraftKings, FanDuel, Circa Appear Before Missouri Officials, Seeking Mobile License

Executives from three leading sports betting companies appeared before the Missouri Gaming Commission on Wednesday, seeking one of two untethered mobile licenses. On Friday, Aug. 15, the commission will announce which two of the three will be granted a license.

These licenses will allow two of the three applicants—DraftKings, FanDuel or Circa Sports—to offer their app for use anywhere in the state when legal sports betting goes live in Missouri on Dec. 1. The two untethered operators don't have to partner with a casino or professional sports team. Later in the fall, other sports betting licenses will be issued to companies partnering with sports teams or casinos.

During 30-minute presentations on Wednesday, followed by questions, representatives from DraftKings, FanDuel and Circa Sports addressed several reasons their companies should be awarded an untethered license. The companies are being evaluated on seven key categories, including expertise and past relevant experience.

Below, the executive teams are listed in the order they appeared before the commission, with the lead representative's name in bold:

Alan Ellingson, CFO, DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings said:

The company has 50 employees devoted solely to responsible gaming.
The company will customize its offering for local fan favorites like the I-70 rivalry between Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.
The company has 4.8 million active monthly users nationally and is growing by 1 million users a year.

Rich Cooper, vice president, regulatory, FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel said:

The company anticipates accepting $400 million in bets annually by 2034 and $40 million in tax revenue each year for Missouri.
The company, which already operates a daily fantasy sports app in Missouri, is a proven community partner, including past assistance with tornado relief in Missouri.
The company is devoted to responsible gaming, including a new tool, Real-Time Check-In, helping users manage their deposit behavior.

Derek Stevens, CEO/COO Circa Hospitality Group

Circa said:

In addition to operating mobile sportsbooks in several states, the company operates the world's largest brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Circa Resort in downtown Las Vegas.
The company anticipates strong community involvement in Missouri, mirroring its involvement in Las Vegas, which has included a $100,000 donation to youth hockey programs and sponsorship of the National Hockey League's Vegas Golden Knights.
The company, with 95% of its bets over $50, has a target hold of 3.5%, not 12%-16% like others, and doesn't place betting limits on professionals.

Other Companies Have Applied To Operate In Missouri

So far, the sports-betting company Underdog has applied for a mobile license requiring a partnership with sports team or casino in Missouri, said Elizabeth Hoffman, commission public relations coordinator. Another operator, Fanatics, has applied for a mobile and retail license. Other sports betting companies are expected to apply before the Sept. 12 deadline.

In addition to sports betting operators, companies seeking approval for a sports wagering supplier’s license have submitted applications to operate in the state. These are:

Catalist, a data provider
GLI, an independent testing lab
GeoComply, a geolocation compliance provider
OpticOdds, a data provider
Sportradar, a data provider
SportsContentCo, a data provider

Once legal sports betting begins on Dec. 1, bettors age 21 and over in Missouri will be able to wager in person at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and by using a cellphone or computer anywhere in the state.

Missouri Sports Betting Timeline

Here are key dates in the launch of legal sports betting in Missouri. Currently, sports betting is legal is most states, including every state bordering Missouri, except Oklahoma.

Nov. 5, 2024: Missouri voters approve legal sports betting statewide.
February 2025: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejects the commission's proposed emergency sports wagering rules, which would have launched sports betting as early as June.
May 15: Sports betting application window opens.
July 15: Applications for direct mobile licenses are due.
Aug. 13: Direct mobile license applicants can present their cases to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Aug. 15: The commission announces direct mobile license holders.
Aug. 30: Licensing rules are scheduled to become effective.
Sept. 12: All other retail and mobile license applications are due.
Dec. 1: Legal sports betting begins.