FanDuel has locked in its entry into Missouri’s upcoming sports betting market by partnering with Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC. The announcement came just hours after FanDuel failed to secure one of the state’s two highly sought-after untethered digital licenses.
DraftKings and Circa Win Standalone Licenses
On Friday morning, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) awarded untethered licenses to DraftKings and Circa Sports – the only three applicants for those spots were DraftKings, Circa, and FanDuel. The decision was a surprise, especially with Circa edging out FanDuel, which holds the largest U.S. market share in online sports betting.
“Winning one of Missouri’s first two untethered mobile betting licenses is a great honor,”Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens said. “We came in as the long shot… but our licensure approval today proves there’s room for a different kind of operator.”
Untethered licenses allow full independent operation and cost $500,000. All other operators must partner with an in-state casino or pro team to gain market access through a tethered license, which costs $250,000 but often includes additional revenue-sharing terms.
FanDuel Finds Quick Path In Through St. Louis City SC
FanDuel didn’t wait long to secure its position. Later that same day, it revealed a new agreement with MLS club St. Louis City SC, giving it tethered access to operate when legal wagering launches statewide on December 1.
“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,” said Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel’s President of Sports. “We look forward to supporting the team and engaging with the community as we bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to fans across Missouri.”
This marks FanDuel’s 25th U.S. market and extends its presence in the Midwest, where it’s already live in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas.
More Operators Line Up Ahead of December Launch
Missouri law permits up to 21 digital sportsbooks—13 via casinos and 8 via professional teams. So far, four licenses are accounted for: DraftKings and Circa (untethered), BetMGM through Century Casinos, and now FanDuel with St. Louis City SC.
FanDuelalready had a broader access deal with Boyd Gaming in Missouri and other states, but its new local partnership ensures a presence in a key U.S. market.
Other applicants are also positioning themselves. bet365 is partnering with the St. Louis Cardinals and plans to open a sportsbook near the team’s downtown ballpark. Fanatics and Underdog have applied for tethered licenses but haven’t yet announced partners.
Operators have until September 12 to submit tethered license applications. The MGC will issue temporary licenses soon after to ensure platforms are compliant and ready for the December 1 launch.
Source:
“FanDuel Announces Missouri Market-Access Agreement”, sports.yahoo.com, Aug 15, 2025
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