JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) – A company that promises to serve a different kind of wagerer was selected as one of the two mobile sports betting providers for Missouri.
The Missouri Gaming Commission selected Circa Sports and DraftKings for the state’s two untethered sports betting licenses Friday morning. The two will be able to launch mobile sports betting, allowing Missourians to place bets on their favorite teams from anywhere in the state right on their phones or computers.
The two companies selected beat out FanDuel. FanDuel also applied for a license. FanDuel and DraftKings were heavily involved in the campaign for Amendment 2 last year, the amendment that legalized sports betting. The two companies were top donors to the campaign, according to Missouri Ethics Commission campaign finance reports, each donating over $20 million.
Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Jan Zimmerman said the choice to have Circa Sports over FanDuel came down to wanting to serve many different kinds of wagers. While FanDuel and DraftKings both serve similar clientele, Circa Sports promises something new.
“It was a different type of player, it was a different business model, and [we] felt like it was going to be offering something different to the sports wagerers in the state of Missouri,” Zimmerman said. “So, with Circa and DraftKings we were offering two different things rather than much the same thing.”
During a Wednesday Gaming Commission meeting, Circa Sports differentiated itself from the other two companies by promising an environment that encourages large bets with high limits and low holds.
“Winning one of Missouri’s first two untethered mobile betting licenses is a great honor. We came in as the long shot against national giants like DraftKings and FanDuel, but our licensure approval today proves there’s room for a different kind of operator,” said Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens.
DraftKings’ pitch to the Gaming Commission promised big tax revenue for the state. Analysts expect the company to bring in about $30 million for the state in tax revenue.
“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,” said Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America. “Missouri is home to several professional teams and deeply passionate fan bases, and we look forward to enhancing their sports experience with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform.”
There will still be more opportunities for other companies to bring physical sportsbooks to Missouri, either by partnering with a physical casino or sports team. In a statement from a spokesperson, FanDuel alluded to exploring these options, saying, “We appreciated the opportunity to present to the Missouri Gaming Commission and respect their decision. We look forward to bringing our leading sportsbook product to Missouri residents.”
The Missouri Gaming Commission also approved a long list of rules and regulations for sports betting. Zimmerman said the commission had an advantage being later in the game to legalize sports betting.
“Our staff has the opportunity to go talk to other jurisdictions, other states,” Zimmerman said. “We appreciate the candor and the assistance from those other states that already have sports wagering in telling us what works and what doesn’t.”
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