Circa fills the void Underdog left when it exited its partnership with the Royals ahead of Missouri’s sports betting launch.
Photo By – Imagn Images. A general view of the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Royals finally have a Missouri-based sports betting partner.
Key Takeaways
- Circa Sports fills the sportsbook partnership left behind by Underdog.
- The gaming operator will make its official debut Friday.
- The agreement includes fan integrations and promotional signage.
The Major League Baseball team announced Monday that it struck an agreement with Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based operator that obtained one of the two untethered Show-Me State sports betting licenses last year.
The Royals had a sports betting partnership with Underdog in late 2025, but the operator left the state before sports wagering launched on Dec. 1 to focus on other products. Circa now fills that role.
“Since launching Circa Sports in Missouri last December, we’ve grown to appreciate the local sports community – and the Kansas City Royals are at the heart of it,” Derek Stevens, Circa Sports CEO, said. “This partnership is about creating premium experiences around the game – from the ballpark to the sportsbook – and giving Royals fans access, energy, and a level of engagement that feels authentic to how they follow baseball.”
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Connecting with Royals fans
Circa’s deal with the Royals will include prominent signage and future promotions. There will also be fan experiences and “VIP hospitality moments,” the partners said.
Circa will officially debut at Royals Rally Casino Night at Kauffman Stadium on Friday. The sportsbook and casino resort operator will give away 10 prize packages for a two-night stay at its Vegas property.
“We all know the passion Royals fans have for their team, and this partnership with Circa Sports offers more ways for them to connect with the game they love,” Cullen Maxey, president of business operations for the Kansas City Royals, said. “From special events at Kauffman Stadium to unique experiences beyond the ballpark, we’re excited to work with Circa to bring new ways for fans to connect with the Royals.”
The wait is over
Underdog, the daily fantasy sports operator, had partnered with the Royals to gain market access. However, the company left Missouri sports betting days before the launch, ending its multi-year agreement and leaving the Royals searching for a sportsbook partner for two months. Underdog also shut down its North Carolina sportsbook in December.
Circa joined DraftKings as one of the two sportsbooks to gain market access without partnering with a professional team or casino operator. It was a big win for Circa, which caters to a more professional bettor with its higher limits and low juice.
The operator doesn’t have to share revenue or pay partnership fees with a casino operator or team.
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