Kansas City Royals name Circa Sports as official betting partner

• The Kansas City Royals have named Circa Sports as official sports betting partner in a multi-year agreement.
• The partnership officially launches on 30 January at Royals Rally Casino Night.
• Circa Sports replaced Underdog, which withdrew its Missouri sports betting licence application in late November 2025.

The Kansas City Royals have named Circa Sports as official sports betting partner in a multi-year partnership that fills the void left by Underdog’s late-November 2025 withdrawal from Missouri’s sports betting launch.

The Las Vegas-based operator secured the partnership after obtaining one of two untethered sports betting licences in Missouri, allowing Circa to operate without needing a casino or professional team partner.

Launch event and fan engagement

The collaboration officially launches this Friday, on 30 January, at Royals Rally Casino Night at Kauffman Stadium.

Circa Sports will distribute 10 prize packages featuring two-night stays at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, premium sportsbook seating with unlimited food and beverages, daybeds at the year-round pool amphitheatre Stadium Swim, and cocktails at the rooftop Legacy Club lounge.

“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,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports.

“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.”

Under the agreement, Circa Sports branding will appear throughout Kauffman Stadium during home games, whilst the operator gains access to Royals marks and logos for promotional activities.

Filling Underdog’s vacancy

The Royals had partnered with Underdog to secure Missouri market access, but the daily fantasy sports operator withdrew its Missouri sports betting licence application in late November 2025. Underdog ended its multi-year agreement to focus on other products and closed its North Carolina sportsbook in mid-December 2025.

Cullen Maxey, president of business operations for the Kansas City Royals, commented:

“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,” said Maxey.

“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 Royals were without a sportsbook partner from late November 2025 until the partnership announcement in late January 2026, spanning Missouri’s crucial market launch period.

Circa Sports’ Missouri entry

Circa Sports and DraftKings secured Missouri’s two untethered mobile licences in August 2025, according to FOX Sports. This licensing structure allowed both operators to enter Missouri’s sports betting market without needing a casino or professional team partner.

Missouri’s sports betting market launched on 1 December 2025 with 8 operators including bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and theScore Bet, alongside Circa Sports. The state allows college player prop bets except for athletes in games involving Missouri colleges.

Circa Sports expansion strategy

Founded by Stevens, Circa Sports operates sportsbooks at Circa Resort & Casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and Downtown Las Vegas Events Centre in Nevada. The operator has built its reputation on competitive odds, high betting limits for professional sports, and a bettor-first philosophy.

Team partnerships represent a key component of Circa Sports’ national expansion strategy, providing brand visibility and market positioning in jurisdictions beyond its Nevada base. The operator has secured similar arrangements with other MLB franchises, such as the San Diego Padres, as it builds recognition outside Las Vegas.

The collaboration includes integration into Royals fan experiences, VIP hospitality opportunities, prominent stadium signage, and future promotional events throughout the baseball season. Circa Sports’ mobile application is now available statewide in Missouri, marketed as featuring high limits, player-friendly pricing, and multiple funding options.

The financial terms of the multi-year partnership were not disclosed by either party. The announcement arrives during MLB’s off-season as teams prepare for spring training ahead of the 2026 regular season.

The Royals’ sports betting partnership comes as the team rebuilds around young star Bobby Witt Jr, with expectations for solid interest in game lines, player props, and futures as the franchise continues development.

Photo credit: MLB Advanced Media