Circa Sports said it began accepting wagers through its mobile app in Kentucky, where it is partnered with Cumberland Run. The launch makes Circa the state’s eighth mobile sportsbook; Kentucky recorded $1.36 billion in wagers during its first six months of legal commercial betting through February, according to the report.
Circa’s launch adds a sportsbook to Kentucky’s mobile market, where legal betting has already generated substantial wagers.
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Reportedly, Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens criticised prediction markets in an interview. The outlet also discussed his efforts to redevelop Downtown Las Vegas.
Derek Stevens, owner of Circa Sports, criticised prediction market operators including Kalshi and Polymarket, saying they hold an unfair advantage over licensed sportsbooks. He argued that businesses competing for the same customers should face comparable regulation. Stevens also raised differences in consumer safeguards, including age minimums and responsible gambling protections.
Circa Sports chief executive Derek Stevens said the company’s three football contests drew more than $31 million in entries. Stevens said Circa had secured one of Missouri’s two untethered mobile licences and described the state as its sixth market, with a launch approaching. He also voiced concerns about prediction markets operating without fees, taxes or measures addressing problem gambling.
Circa Las Vegas CEO Derek Stevens discussed the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s $35 million tourism campaign and the city’s visitor decline, reportedly. Stevens said Circa was offering value promotions and discussed Circa Sports winning a Missouri sports betting licence untethered to a casino; DraftKings also received a licence.
Circa Sports opened a retail sportsbook at The Temporary at American Place in Waukegan, Illinois, and began accepting wagers on Friday, the company said. The Illinois Gaming Board authorised Circa to take retail and mobile sports bets; the Waukegan venue was its first retail sportsbook outside Nevada.