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Circa Sports Launches in Illinois and Signs Key Kentucky Partnership

Perry Sandra

Updated on October 2, 2023 at 2:26 PM EDT • Read time: 2 minutes and 38 seconds. For more information, visit our Twitter and Google News links.

Circa owner Derek Stevens is featured in our latest news update on Circa Sports.
Circa owner Derek Stevens looks on during a SlamBall playoff game at the Cox Pavilion on August 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images for SlamBall/AFP.

Circa Sports had a successful end to the week as the leading retail sportsbook and competitive mobile sports betting brand looks to increase its presence and gain market share in the growing U.S. legal sports betting industry.

The Las Vegas sports betting brand recently revealed its entry into the Illinois market through both mobile and retail platforms. Additionally, the company secured a partnership with Cumberland Run to facilitate their expansion into the lucrative Kentucky sports betting market.

There are rumors that Circa Sports is planning to expand its operations to New Jersey, Ohio, and Michigan following a successful trial run in Illinois.

The Illinois launch

On Friday, Circa Sports revealed that it is the eighth mobile sportsbook entering the Illinois market. Circa Sports Illinois began accepting bets at 1 p.m. ET on Friday, perfectly timed for Week 4 of the NFL season and exciting college football games over the weekend.

Circa made its debut in the Illinois sports betting market, which had remained relatively stagnant with seven operators, despite the state consistently ranking in the top six for sports betting in the US. The most recent addition to the Land of Lincoln’s sportsbook lineup was BetMGM, which launched in March 2022.

Circa is now part of the lineup of Illinois sports betting apps, alongside BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and Barstool.

Illinois is now the fourth state where Circa Sports is operating, joining its existing locations in Nevada, Colorado, and Iowa as of Friday’s launch.

Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of Circa, expressed excitement about the launch of Circa Sports Illinois, calling it a significant milestone for the company. He was proud to collaborate with the state of Illinois and Full House Resorts to make the expansion a reality. Stevens emphasized that the betting experience offered by Circa Sports Illinois is tailored to the preferences of Midwest sports fans.

Kentucky next

Circa Sports, the sole sportsbook among eight to be licensed in Kentucky’s thrilling sports betting market, did not launch on the first day of mobile sports betting on Sept. 28. However, a significant obstacle was overcome on Friday with the news of a partnership between Circa and ECL Corbin, LLC at the Cumberland Run harness track and The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland.

In order to operate in Kentucky, sports betting apps are required to form partnerships with horse racing tracks.

Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of Circa, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating: “Since our launch in 2019, Circa Sports has seen significant growth. We are thrilled to bring our operations to Kentucky and grateful to our partners at Cumberland Run for making it happen. We look forward to showcasing what the Circa brand has to offer in the great state of Kentucky.”

The partnership news between Circa/Cumberland Run did not include a launch date, but it is anticipated that Circa Sports will quickly become the eighth mobile sports betting provider in Kentucky.

The primary objective for the sports betting provider is to capitalize on the majority of the NFL season.

What Circa brings to the market

Circa Sports, known for being one of the top sportsbooks in Las Vegas, has successfully developed a highly regarded mobile sports betting platform.

Circa stands out from the competition by offering the most competitive pricing and betting options in the country, as well as higher betting limits. With better odds, Circa customers can enjoy greater payouts.

Before their debut in Iowa last year, the company boasted about offering “the highest limits, lowest hold percentages, and best customer service in the state.” However, don’t anticipate Circa adding to the array of Kentucky sportsbook promotions that new users can benefit from, as they have a history of not offering sign-up bonuses.

Circa has dedicated time to creating a diverse selection of future bets in parlay, as well as yes/no future betting options, which are distinctive to the Circa sportsbook brand.

Written By:
Perry Sandra
Perry Sandra and betting go hand-in-hand. Both are characterized by “odds”. Dave fancies himself as one of the most dedicated sports and pop-culture junkies around, to the chagrin of his family and friends. Following sports for 50 years and writing about it for 20, Dave hasn’t found a sport yet that can’t contribute to 2-3 straight hours of couch time. That search remains ongoing. As a good old Canadian boy, hockey is in Dave’s heart, as is curling sadly. But evolution is a real thing and that’s why football, baseball, and just about every sport on the planet has become a passion. Dave isn’t afraid to kill some time obsessing over politics or the far-too-frequent awards shows the consume the airwaves.