FanDuel has agreed a new market access agreement to operate in Missouri with Major League Soccer club St Louis CITY SC, after being unsuccessful in its bid for an untethered license in the state.
The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) heard the final pitches for direct sports betting licenses last week, with three sports betting apps in the running.
On Friday, the MGC announced that the two untethered licenses to operate in the state had been awarded to DraftKings and Circa Sports, leaving FanDuel sidelined.
The popular sports betting site has been quick to act though, securing a partnership with the Western Conference MLS club.
FanDuel And St Louis CITY SC
FanDuel’s market access agreement with St Lous CITY SC means the Flutter-owned operator will be able to offer online sports betting when the Missouri market opens on December 1.
The FanDuel Group has a portfolio of leading brands across mobile wagering, including its sportsbook, online casino, horse racing and fantasy sports products.
The deal makes Missouri the 25th state or territory in which FanDuel is operating its mobile sportsbook.
“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 FanDuel sports president, Mike Raffensperger.
“We look forward to supporting the team and engaging with the community as we bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to fans across Missouri.”
The MLS club is one of six professional sports teams in Missouri that are eligible for a sports betting license.
There are also 13 casinos in Missouri which are eligible for a state license.
Circa Sports Honored By Missouri Decision
The MGC announced its resolution last Friday, stating: “The Missouri Gaming Commission selects DraftKings and Circa Sports as the two top qualified applicants for the two available direct mobile licenses.
“If either of the top qualified applicants is deemed unsuitable after full investigation, the Commission shall select another top applicant from the remaining applicants.”
Reacting to the news, Circa Sports founder and CEO Derek Stevens said: “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.
Circa Sports is built for bettors, with sharp odds, high limits, and a low hold.
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,”
Boston-based DraftKings operates mobile sports betting in 25 states and Washington DC and the company’s North America president, Matt Kalish, was naturally positive about adding Missouri to its territories.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Jim Munro is a betting industry and gambling expert who has been a national newspaper journalist for over 30 years, predominantly at The Sunday Times and The Sun, where he wrote a weekly soccer betting column. Jim also worked on the launch of Virgin Bet with Gamesys and was subsequently head of editorial at LiveScore, the sports media and betting group.
