Circa CEO Sees Steady Growth for His Sportsbook in Missouri

Derek Stevens is impressed with Circa's performance in the Show-Me State as the operator continues along a different business path from the national brands.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Derek Stevens, the CEO of Circa Sportsbook, is pleased with the early results of his company's sports betting operations in Missouri, despite trailing competitors in overall handle. Circa has taken a low-promotion, steady-growth strategy, in contrast to the heavy advertising and free bet promotions used by larger national brands. While Circa generated just under $3 million in handle during its first two months in Missouri, compared to nearly $679 million for market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings, the company has paid state gaming taxes on its revenues, unlike some rivals that have deducted large amounts of promotional free bets.

Why it matters

Circa's approach highlights a different business model in the crowded sports betting market, focusing on attracting 'sharp' bettors rather than relying on massive advertising and promotional campaigns. This strategy has allowed Circa to establish a presence in Missouri and other states without the huge marketing budgets of the national brands, while still generating tax revenue for the state.

The details

Circa Sportsbook was one of the first operators to receive a sports betting license in Missouri, in part due to its ability to attract a different set of bettors than the major national brands. Rather than spending heavily on TV and internet ads, Circa has prioritized direct team sponsorships, including partnerships with the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. The company's sportsbook is available in only a handful of states, and CEO Derek Stevens has said he doesn't expect to launch in all of the more than two-dozen legal sports betting jurisdictions.

  • Circa Sportsbook launched in Missouri in December 2025.
  • Missouri sportsbooks generated nearly $1 billion in handle in their first two months of operation.
  • As of March 26, 2026, Circa's handle for the month has already been its highest grossing, driven by the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Derek Stevens

The CEO of Circa Sportsbook, who has praised the company's performance and steady growth strategy in Missouri.

Circa Sportsbook

A Nevada-based sportsbook that has taken a low-promotion, steady-growth approach in Missouri, in contrast to the heavy advertising and free bet promotions used by larger national brands.

FanDuel

One of the market leaders in Missouri's sports betting market, generating nearly $679 million in handle in the first two months of operation.

DraftKings

Another market leader in Missouri's sports betting market, generating nearly $679 million in handle in the first two months of operation.

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What they’re saying

“Missouri is the first time we've actually been on a launch date, and I'm very glad we didn't go nuts on the advertising because I just think that it was kind of some diminishing returns.”

— Derek Stevens, CEO, Circa Sportsbook

“We've taken a different approach than others.”

— Derek Stevens, CEO, Circa Sportsbook

What’s next

Circa is expected to continue its steady growth in Missouri, with the company's March 2026 handle already being its highest grossing month so far, driven by the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Circa's approach in Missouri highlights how a sportsbook can establish a presence and generate tax revenue for the state without relying on the massive advertising and promotional campaigns used by larger national brands. This strategy has allowed Circa to carve out a niche among 'sharp' bettors and could serve as a model for other operators looking to take a more measured approach to market expansion.