DraftKings secures direct mobile sports betting license in Missouri.

DraftKings has been granted a direct mobile sports betting license by the Missouri Gaming Commission, allowing it to operate independently in the state without affiliation with a land-based casino or professional sports team. The online sportsbook is expected to launch on December 1, 2025, contingent on final regulatory approvals. DraftKings plans to enhance the sports experience for Missouri fans with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform.

DraftKings has been granted a direct mobile sports betting license by the Missouri Gaming Commission, enabling it to operate independently in the state without affiliation with a land-based casino or professional sports team. The online sportsbook is expected to launch on December 1, 2025, contingent on final regulatory approvals. DraftKings plans to enhance the sports experience for Missouri fans with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform [1].

The Missouri Gaming Commission announced the news on Friday, awarding one of the two direct mobile licenses to DraftKings and the other to Circa Sports. The license allows DraftKings to operate without needing to affiliate with a land-based casino or professional sports team. Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America, expressed his pleasure in securing the license, stating that it paves the way for the company to bring its industry-leading online sportsbook to fans across Missouri. Missouri is home to several professional teams and deeply passionate fanbases, and DraftKings looks forward to enhancing their sports experience with a dynamic and responsible mobile platform [1].

The Missouri Gaming Commission had heard from three companies seeking the two available mobile gaming licenses: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Circa Sports. Mobile sports betting in Missouri is expected to be launched on December 1, 2025. DraftKings and Circa Sports’ online sportsbooks would go live on that date, contingent upon it passing final regulatory approvals. Circa Sports set itself apart by encouraging large wagers from professional gamblers, also known as sharps, but admitted to state regulators during their pitch that it may not provide as much tax revenue for the state as the other two companies [1].

Once the sportsbook is live, Missouri will be the 29th state where DraftKings operates. That list includes Kansas, which legalized sports betting in 2022. The Missouri Gaming Commission did not award a license to FanDuel, which contributed millions toward the state campaign to legalize sports betting in the Show-Me State. FanDuel will instead have to partner with a land-based casino in the state or partner with one of Missouri’s professional teams [1].

DraftKings is dedicated to providing a fun gaming environment that all customers can enjoy responsibly in states where sports betting is legal. The company offers a suite of responsible gaming tools and resources, including My Stat Sheet, which allows customers to monitor personalized gaming activity, and My Budget Builder, a tool that helps players set custom limits and reminders through a guided, easy-to-use experience [2].

DraftKings is committed to being a responsible steward of this new era in real-money gaming by developing and promoting educational information and tools to help all players enjoy their games responsibly. The company also supports communities in times of need through its S.E.R.V.E.S. program [2].

References:
[1] https://www.kctv5.com/2025/08/15/missouri-gaming-commission-grants-draftkings-circa-sports-direct-mobile-sports-betting-license/
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/DKNG/draft-kings-secures-direct-mobile-sports-betting-license-to-operate-9je9q6bq7rbd.html