# Circa Sports > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Circa_Sports > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Circa_Sports.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circa_Sports > Source revision: 1348167588 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American sportsbook operator}} {{Infobox company | name = Circa Sports | logo = CIRCA_SPORTS_LOGO.png | alt = Circa Sports logo | type = | industry = [Sports betting](/source/Sports_betting) | predecessor = | successor = | founded = June 1, 2019 | founder = [Derek Stevens](/source/Derek_Stevens) | defunct = | fate = | hq_location_city = [Las Vegas](/source/Las_Vegas) | hq_location_country = | areas_served = Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri | key_people = '''Sportsbook director:'''
Matt Metcalf (2019–2023)
Chris Bennett (since 2023) | products = | owner = Derek Stevens | locations = 8 | num_employees = | num_employees_year = | parent = | website = {{URL|https://www.circasports.com/}} }} '''Circa Sports''' is an American [sportsbook](/source/sportsbook) operator based in [Las Vegas](/source/Las_Vegas). It was founded by casino owner [Derek Stevens](/source/Derek_Stevens) and began operations on June 1, 2019. It is named after Stevens' [Circa Resort & Casino](/source/Circa_Resort_%26_Casino) in Las Vegas. The resort includes the company's flagship sportsbook, with 1,000 seats spread across three floors. Other locations in Las Vegas include the [Golden Gate](/source/Golden_Gate_Hotel_and_Casino) and [The D Las Vegas](/source/The_D_Las_Vegas), both owned by Stevens. Circa Sports also launched online and [mobile app](/source/mobile_app) betting in Colorado on July 1, 2020, through a partnership with [Century Casinos](/source/Century_Casinos). The company has since expanded its mobile app operations to Iowa and Kentucky. Illinois operations were launched on September 29, 2023, via mobile app and a sportsbook, the latter in partnership with [Full House Resorts](/source/Full_House_Resorts). Illinois marks the company's first physical location outside of Nevada. ==History== ===Background=== Circa Sports is named after the [Circa Resort & Casino](/source/Circa_Resort_%26_Casino) in [downtown Las Vegas](/source/downtown_Las_Vegas).{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Brian |title=First Circa sportsbook to open at Golden Gate in June |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2019/apr/25/first-circa-sportsbook-to-open-at-golden-gate/ |work=VegasInc |date=April 25, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2021}} The company was founded by Circa owner [Derek Stevens](/source/Derek_Stevens), who is a fan of sports and betting. He began visiting [Las Vegas](/source/Las_Vegas) in the late 1980s, and was impressed by the [sportsbook](/source/sportsbook)s at several resorts, including [Caesars Palace](/source/Caesars_Palace), the [Stardust](/source/Stardust_Resort_and_Casino), the [Riviera](/source/Riviera_(hotel_and_casino)), and the SuperBook at the [Las Vegas Hilton](/source/Las_Vegas_Hilton) (later known as the Westgate).{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Derek Stevens reveals Circa hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/derek-stevens-reveals-circa-hotel-casino-in-downtown-las-vegas-video-1570911/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2021}} Stevens had wanted to operate his own sportsbook since the purchase of downtown's [Golden Gate](/source/Golden_Gate_Hotel_and_Casino) hotel-casino in 2008.{{cite news |last=Carp |first=Steve |title=Circa Sports gets green light |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/circa-sports-gets-green-light/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=April 25, 2019}} However, he did not believe that there was enough volume to support a sportsbook operation. He later purchased [Fitzgeralds](/source/The_D_Las_Vegas) hotel-casino, also in downtown Las Vegas, and renamed it as The D Las Vegas in 2012. By the end of 2015, Stevens was planning to build the Circa Resort, and he believed that the project would give him enough volume to run a sportsbook company. In May 2018, the [U.S. Supreme Court](/source/U.S._Supreme_Court) overturned the [Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992](/source/Professional_and_Amateur_Sports_Protection_Act_of_1992), which further inspired Stevens to start Circa Sports. He filed for licensing to operate his own sportsbooks in September 2018,{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title='We like to have a lot of fun': Vegas casino owner Stevens planning new resort |url=https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/we-like-to-have-a-lot-of-fun-vegas-casino-owner-stevens-planning-new-resort/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=CDC Gaming Reports |date=October 15, 2018}} and received final approval from the [Nevada Gaming Commission](/source/Nevada_Gaming_Commission) on April 25, 2019. Stevens said the books would operate with an "old-school Las Vegas hospitality, where our guests and oddsmakers interact closely in a friendly and fun environment." They would operate as traditional books, but with modern technological features, and would cater to professional bettors as well as newcomers.{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Case |title=Circa Sports launches with promise to foster a competitive betting experience |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/talking-points/2019/jun/01/circa-sports-launches-vegas-competitive-betting/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 1, 2019}} Matt Metcalf was hired as sportsbook director for Circa Sports,{{cite news |last=Carp |first=Steve |title=Circa Sports looks to book big action at Golden Gate |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/circa-sports-looks-to-book-big-action-at-golden-gate/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=May 29, 2019}} while Chris Bennett was chosen as sportsbook manager.{{cite web |last=Purdum |first=David |title=Inside the building of the state-of-the-art Circa sportsbook |url=https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/27161655/inside-building-state-art-circa-sportsbook |website=ESPN |access-date=May 17, 2021 |date=July 10, 2019}} Metcalf had previously worked for the sportsbook at the [Imperial Palace](/source/The_Linq) in Las Vegas, as well as the Hilton's SuperBook.{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Case |title=How Circa Sports assembled an all-star team and changed Vegas sports betting |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/talking-points/2020/oct/28/how-circa-sports-all-star-las-vegas-sports-betting/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 28, 2020}} Metcalf previously worked with Bennett at the SuperBook and chose him to join Circa Sports. Stevens and Metcalf visited most of the sportsbooks in Las Vegas to gather ideas for Circa Sports, and Stevens also consulted with professional sports bettors. Bennett would succeed Metcalf as sportsbook director in 2023, while Metcalf remained as an advisor.{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Circa Sports has new sportsbook director, but same sharp model |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-sports-has-new-sportsbook-director-but-same-sharp-model-2782422/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 23, 2023}} ===Operations=== ====Nevada==== The first Circa Sports book opened at the Golden Gate on June 1, 2019. It measures {{convert|1297|sqft|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Circa Sports ready to open sportsbook in downtown Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-ready-to-open-sportsbook-in-downtown-las-vegas-1676819/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 31, 2019}} The Golden Gate offered wages and odds not available at most books.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Golden Gate in Las Vegas on track to open race and sportsbook |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/golden-gate-in-las-vegas-on-track-to-open-race-and-sportsbook-1637900/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 10, 2019}} For its first day, the Golden Gate book operated with no [vigorish](/source/vigorish). The book took in more than $800,000 on its first day, but lost over $100,000. A [mobile phone app](/source/mobile_phone_app) also launched on the same day, to attract a younger demographic. In May 2020, amid the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), Circa debuted a temporary curbside betting operation at the Golden Gate.{{cite news |title=Circa Sports unveils 'curbside' sports betting at Golden Gate Hotel & Casino |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/circa-sports-unveils-curbside-sports-betting-at-golden-gate-hotel-casino |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=KSNV |date=May 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Markazi |first=Arash |title=Las Vegas is hedging its bets on esports |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-05-06/las-vegas-hedging-its-bets-on-esports |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 6, 2020}} A second Circa Sports was opened at The D on June 19, 2019. The book there had previously been operated by [William Hill](/source/William_Hill_(bookmaker)).{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=Circa Sports launches at the D Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-launches-at-the-d-las-vegas-1691025/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 19, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2021}} [Vegas Golden Knights](/source/Vegas_Golden_Knights) games are a primary focus at The D's sportsbook. Stevens planned to eventually open the brand's flagship sportsbook at the Circa Resort in late 2020. Operating the two original sportsbooks would help prepare Metcalf and his team for the opening of the main book at the Circa Resort. The Circa Resort opened on October 28, 2020. The sportsbook there is considered a prime feature, containing 1,000 seats spread across three floors.{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Case |title=New Downtown resort Circa's planned sportsbook sounds like a game changer |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2019/nov/21/new-downtown-resort-circas-planned-sportsbook/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=November 21, 2019}}{{cite web |last=Szydelko |first=Paul |title=Sportsbook at the Circa resort likely to be an odds-on favorite with fans |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Circa-sportsbook-is-likely-to-be-a-betting-favorite-with-fans |website=Travel Weekly |access-date=May 17, 2021 |date=October 22, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Case |title=Circa sports book is as mind-blowing as advertised |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2020/oct/22/circa-sportsbook-is-as-mind-blowing-as-advertised/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 22, 2020}} It also contains a broadcasting studio for the [Vegas Stats & Information Network](/source/Vegas_Stats_%26_Information_Network).{{cite web |last=Kester |first=Jennifer |title=Circa Resort & Casino To Make A Big Splash In Vegas |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2020/09/30/circa-resort--casino-to-make-a-big-splash-in-vegas/ |website=Forbes |access-date=May 17, 2021 |date=September 30, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Bettors flock to Circa for first NFL Sunday at sportsbook |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/bettors-flock-to-circa-for-first-nfl-sunday-at-sportsbook-2170400/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 1, 2020}} According to Stevens, it is the largest sportsbook in the world, beating out the {{convert|30000|sqft|abbr=on}} SuperBook at the Westgate. However, he has not specified the exact size of the Circa book.{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Derek Stevens teases Westgate with 'largest' sportsbook claim |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/derek-stevens-teases-westgate-with-largest-sportsbook-claim-2057199/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 19, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=Circa upping the ante for sportsbooks |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-upping-the-ante-for-sportsbooks-2158057/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 22, 2020}} The new book would continue Circa's reputation for allowing [sharp bettors](/source/Sharp_betting).{{cite news|last=Barnes|first=Jim|date=October 24, 2020 |title=Circa sportsbook welcomes sharp bettors|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-sportsbook-welcomes-sharp-bettors-2160451/|access-date=May 17, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=James |title=Circa Sports Is Becoming A Major Player But Can They Revive Nevada's Sports Betting Scene? |url=https://www.sportsinsider.com/circa-sports-is-becoming-a-major-player-but-can-they-revive-nevadas-sports-betting-scene/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Sports Insider |date=October 25, 2020}}{{cite web |last=Purdum |first=David |title=Oddsmaker's error causes 53-point WNBA shift |url=https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/31818284/oddsmaker-mistake-causes-historic-line-movement-wnba-all-star-game |website=ESPN |access-date=October 14, 2021 |date=July 14, 2021}} However, this made the company likely to lose more money than other sportsbooks. During 2020, Circa Sports announced plans to eventually open a sportsbook at the [Tuscany](/source/Tuscany_Suites_and_Casino) casino, near the [Las Vegas Strip](/source/Las_Vegas_Strip).{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Las Vegas-based Circa Sports to open a sportsbook at the off-Strip Tuscany next year |url=https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/las-vegas-based-circa-sports-to-open-a-sportsbook-at-the-off-strip-tuscany-next-year/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=CDC Gaming Reports |date=September 3, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=Circa Sports expanding to Tuscany Suites |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-expanding-to-tuscany-suites-2110546/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 3, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Wargo |first=Buck |title=Circa Sports to launch sportsbook at Tuscany Casino |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/circa-sports-to-launch-sportsbook-at-tuscany-casino/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=September 24, 2020}} This location opened in March 2021, replacing William Hill as operator. It is a satellite sportsbook, and was opened in time for [March Madness](/source/March_Madness),{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Bryan |title=Circa Sports opening at casinos off the Strip, in downtown Henderson |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/mar/14/circa-sports-opening-at-casinos-off-the-strip-in-d/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 14, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Shoro |first=Mike |title=Circa Sports opens 1st satellite book at Tuscany |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-opens-1st-satellite-book-at-tuscany-2306328/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 16, 2021}} during which Circa Sports accepted $10,000 bets.{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Circa takes flurry of $10K sharp bets on NCAA Tournament |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-takes-flurry-of-10k-sharp-bets-on-ncaa-tournament-2305158/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 15, 2021}} Another Circa book opened on April 29, 2021, at [The Pass Casino](/source/The_Pass_Casino) in [Henderson, Nevada](/source/Henderson%2C_Nevada).{{cite news |last=Shoro |first=Mike |title=Regulators OK Circa sportsbook to operate at Henderson casino |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/regulators-ok-circa-sportsbook-to-operate-at-henderson-casino-2336086/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 22, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Casino owner DeSimone opens Circa book with Golden Knights wager |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/casino-owner-desimone-opens-circa-book-with-golden-knights-wager-2344022/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 1, 2021}} In August 2022, Circa opened a location at the new [Legends Bay Casino](/source/Legends_Bay_Casino) in [Sparks, Nevada](/source/Sparks%2C_Nevada).{{cite web |title=Circa Sports opens venue in Sparks, Nevada |url=https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/17981/circa-sports-opens-venue-in-sparks-nevada |website=Gambling Insider |access-date=September 8, 2022 |date=September 2, 2022}} It is Circa's sixth location, and also marks the company's debut in northern Nevada.{{cite news |last=Hidalgo |first=Jason |title=Las Vegas gaming company Circa entering Reno-Sparks via Legends casino |url=https://www.rgj.com/story/news/money/business/2022/04/19/las-vegas-reno-circa-sportsbook-legends-bay-casino-olympia-gaming/7362933001/ |access-date=April 19, 2022 |work=Reno Gazette Journal |date=April 19, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Circa Sports expanding to Northern Nevada casino |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-to-operate-sportsbook-at-northern-nevada-casino-2563345/ |access-date=April 19, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 19, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jim |title=Circa opening first sportsbook in Northern Nevada |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-opening-first-sportsbook-in-northern-nevada-2610211/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 20, 2022}} It attracts business from California, where sports betting is illegal.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Analyst says Circa now one of Nevada's leading sports betting operators |url=https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/indy-gaming-analyst-says-circa-now-one-of-nevadas-leading-sports-betting-operators |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Nevada Independent |date=July 26, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title='We run our own model:' Why Derek Stevens bets big on sports betting expansion |url=https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/indy-gaming-we-run-our-own-model-why-derek-stevens-bets-big-on-sports-betting-expansion |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Nevada Independent |date=October 4, 2023}} In January 2024, Circa took over sportsbook operations at the [Silverton](/source/Silverton_(hotel_and_casino)) casino in the southwest [Las Vegas Valley](/source/Las_Vegas_Valley).{{cite news |last=Edgemon |first=Erin |title=Circa reveals plans for its first sportsbook in southwest valley |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-reveals-plans-for-its-first-sportsbook-in-southwest-valley-2968196/ |access-date=January 3, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 19, 2023}}{{cite news |title=Circa Sports launches at Silverton Casino Lodge |url=https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/23715/circa-sports-launches-at-silverton-casino-lodge |access-date=January 3, 2024 |work=Gambling Insider |date=January 3, 2024}} ====Other states==== In February 2020, Circa Sports announced a 15-year partnership with Colorado-based [Century Casinos](/source/Century_Casinos) to provide online and mobile-app sports betting for the latter. Colorado was in the process of legalizing sports betting, and the partnership would mark Circa's first out-of-state venture. There were no plans for Circa to add a physical sportsbook in Colorado, although the company did plan to eventually expand its operations to other states.{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=Las Vegas sports betting brand Circa Sports expanding to Colorado |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/las-vegas-sports-betting-brand-circa-sports-expanding-to-colorado-1952251/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 6, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Circa Sports, Century Casinos agree to sports betting deal for Colorado |url=https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/circa-sports-century-casinos-agree-to-sports-betting-deal-for-colorado/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=CDC Gaming Reports |date=February 7, 2020}} [International Game Technology](/source/International_Game_Technology) subsequently agreed to provide its technology to Circa, powering its Colorado mobile app.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=IGT to team up with Circa Sports in Colorado mobile sports betting |url=https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/igt-to-team-up-with-circa-sports-in-colorado-mobile-sports-betting/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=CDC Gaming Reports |date=April 16, 2020}} Circa Sports launched its online services there on July 1, 2020.{{cite news |last=Taddeo |first=Frankie |title=Circa Sports Launching Betting App in Colorado in July |url=https://www.si.com/gambling/2020/06/23/circa-sports-betting-app-colorado-july |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Sports Illustrated |date=June 23, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Circa Sports launches mobile betting app in Colorado |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-sports-launches-mobile-betting-app-in-colorado-2065547/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 1, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Heilman |first=Wayne |title=Circa sports betting app debuts in Colorado |url=https://gazette.com/business/circa-sports-betting-app-debuts-in-colorado/article_7090bd98-baf7-11ea-b128-935e6009d5be.html |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=The Gazette |date=July 1, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Lawhon |first=Danny |title=Colorado quickly ramps up sports betting |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/colorado-quickly-ramps-up-sports-betting/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=July 8, 2020}} By March 2021, Stevens was planning to expand his online services to Iowa, with several other states also in consideration for future expansion. Tax rates, market size, and [gaming regulation](/source/gaming_regulation)s were factors in determining where to expand.{{cite news |last=Shoro |first=Mike |title=Circa Sports to open satellite sportsbook at Tuscany |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-to-open-satellite-sportsbook-at-tuscany-2303644/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 14, 2021}} Circa's Iowa operations began on October 7, 2021, offering mobile sports betting through a partnership with Wild Rose Casino, which has three locations in the state.{{cite news |last=Holmes |first=Dan |title=Circa Sportsbook To Launch In Iowa On October 7 |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/circa-sportsbook-to-launch-in-iowa-on-october-7/ |access-date=October 14, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=October 5, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Altruda |first=Chris |title=Circa Sports Goes Live For Mobile Sports Betting In Iowa |url=https://sportshandle.com/circa-sports-goes-live-for-mobile-sports-betting-in-iowa/ |access-date=October 14, 2021 |work=SportsHandle |date=October 7, 2021}} In May 2022, Circa partnered with [Full House Resorts](/source/Full_House_Resorts) to open a sportsbook in [Waukegan, Illinois](/source/Waukegan%2C_Illinois), marking its first physical location outside of Nevada.{{cite news |last=Miech |first=Rob |title=Circa Sports setting up shop in Waukegan, promises elite customer experience |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturday/2022/5/21/23127089/circa-sports-waukegan-illinois-jeff-benson-derek-stevens-matt-metcalf-las-vegas-gambling-casino |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=May 21, 2022}} The companies signed an eight-year deal, and Circa would initially operate in a temporary casino while Full House constructs a permanent facility, to be known as American Place.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Circa Sports to enter Illinois market with American Place sportsbook |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/circa-sports-to-enter-illinois-market-with-american-place-sportsbook-2573707/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 9, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Sadin |first=Steve |title=Agreements will enable Waukegan casino to feature sportsbook; 'It will be an integral part of the casino' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-waukegan-casino-update-st-0510-20220509-niluempxhrfkbdxfo565g4epza-story.html |access-date=May 10, 2022 |work=Lake County News-Sun |date=May 9, 2022}}{{cite web |last=Altruda |first=Chris |title=Circa Sports Gearing Up For Entry Into Illinois Sports Betting Scene |url=https://sportshandle.com/circa-sports-illinois-stevens/ |website=SportsHandle |access-date=September 8, 2022 |date=May 19, 2022}} The Illinois launch was held on September 29, 2023, via mobile app and the temporary facility.{{cite web |last=Conlin |first=Bennett |title=Circa Sports Launches Mobile App, Retail Book In Illinois |url=https://sportshandle.com/circa-sports-illinois-launch/ |website=SportsHandle |access-date=November 21, 2023 |date=September 29, 2023}} American Place is expected to open by 2026.{{cite web |last=Altruda |first=Chris |title=At Long Last, Circa Is Ready To Play In Illinois |url=https://sportshandle.com/circa-stevens-illinois-launch/ |website=SportsHandle |access-date=November 21, 2023 |date=October 4, 2023}} In May 2024, Circa expanded its mobile app to Kentucky, in partnership with the Cumberland Run horse track in [Corbin](/source/Corbin%2C_Kentucky).{{cite news |title=Circa Sports partners with Cumberland Run harness track for Kentucky sports betting |url=https://cdcgaming.com/brief/circa-sports-partners-with-cumberland-run-harness-track-for-kentucky-sports-betting/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=CDC Gaming Reports |date=September 30, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Altruda |first=Chris |title=Circa Sports Launches Mobile Sports Betting App In Kentucky |url=https://sportshandle.com/circa-sports-mobile-kentucky-launch/ |website=SportsHandle |access-date=May 27, 2024 |date=May 14, 2024}} Circa expanded to [Missouri](/source/Missouri) in August 2025 by winning an "untethered" license, meaning that they would not be required to partner with a casino or sports team and pay additional rights fees. Gaming commissioners cited Circa's reputation for allowing larger bets and catering to a different clientele than other sportsbooks as the primary factors for awarding the license. Circa would introduce a Missouri app in November as part of the general launch of sports betting in that state.https://www.stlpr.org/2025-08-15/in-huge-upset-circa-sports-outflanks-fanduel-for-coveted-missouri-sports-betting-license ==Contests and games== In 2019, the company launched the Circa Sports Million contest, which had a guaranteed $1 million grand prize. The contest required a $1,000 entry fee, and participants would bet on [NFL](/source/NFL) games. In addition to the grand prize, the contest would also have quarterly winners. Stevens said, "If you get behind by week eight and there's 3,000 people in front of you, it's tough to catch up. But you can get hot for four weeks and win the quarter. We're essentially giving people four chances to win." The contest was inspired by high bets that Stevens had made in recent years. Metcalf said, "He really likes the idea of someone having the chance to win $1 million. He experienced that firsthand and how exciting it was, and he wanted someone else to have that."{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Derek Stevens guarantees $1M to winner of Circa Sports contest |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/derek-stevens-guarantees-1m-to-winner-of-circa-sports-contest-1672283/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 25, 2019}} The contest needed a minimum of 1,500 people for Circa to make a profit; it garnered 1,875.{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jim |title=$4M guaranteed for Circa Sports football contests |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/4m-guaranteed-for-circa-sports-football-contests-1965800/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 25, 2020}} Due to its popularity the first year, Circa Sports Million II was launched in 2020, with a $3 million prize. Another NFL contest was also launched that year, titled Circa Survivor. It offered a $1 million winner-take-all prize.{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Case |title=Circa Sports expands football contest offerings with $4 million in guarantees |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/talking-points/2020/feb/25/circa-sports-football-contest-offerings-4-million/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 25, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Micah |title=Circa Sports' contests expand in 2020 |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/circa-sports-contests-expand-in-2020/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=March 5, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Ramirez |first=W.G. |title=Stevens sticks by his contests |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/stevens-sticks-by-his-contests/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Gaming Today |date=September 2, 2020}} Both contests have become annual events.{{cite web |last=Balan |first=Jeremy |title=Circa Bumps Total Prize Pool For Million IV, Survivor Contests To $12m |url=https://sportshandle.com/circa-prize-pool-million-survivor-12-million/ |website=SportsHandle |access-date=September 8, 2022 |date=July 8, 2022}} The 2020 contests received fewer entrants due to the pandemic, and Stevens began offering free hotel rooms as an incentive to sign up.{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Circa Sports staring at $3.86M loss in NFL contests |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-sports-staring-at-3-86m-loss-in-nfl-contests-2082372/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 27, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=Circa Sports faces $3.26M loss on NFL contests |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-sports-faces-3-26m-loss-on-nfl-contests-2102863/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 24, 2020}} In 2021, Circa Millions III and Circa Survivor offered total payouts of $4 million and $6 million respectively.{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Bryan |title=Circa Sports to guarantee $10 million for its NFL handicapping contests |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/may/27/circa-sports-to-guarantee-10-million-for-its-nfl-c/ |access-date=October 14, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 27, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Dewey |first=Todd |title=$10M guaranteed for Circa Sports football contests |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/10m-guaranteed-for-circa-sports-football-contests-2364472/ |access-date=October 14, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 27, 2021}} Circa Sports also launched a [Super Bowl squares](/source/Super_Bowl_squares) game in 2020.{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jim |title=Choose your own numbers in Circa Super Bowl squares pool |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/choose-your-own-numbers-in-circa-super-bowl-squares-pool-1947019/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 30, 2020}} Due to its popularity, it became an annual event,{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jim |title=Circa brings back bettable version of Super Bowl squares |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/circa-brings-back-bettable-version-of-super-bowl-squares-2270379/ |access-date=May 17, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 31, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jim |title=Super Bowl squares popular Circa Sports prop betting option |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/betting/super-bowl-squares-popular-circa-sports-prop-betting-option-2525391/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 6, 2022}} under the name "Circa Squares".{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Zack |title='Circa Squares' Let Bettors Profit Off Of A Super Bowl Tradition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackjones/2022/02/13/circa-squares-let-bettors-profit-off-of-a-super-bowl-tradition/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=Forbes |date=February 13, 2022}} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * [https://www.circasports.com/ Official website] Category:Bookmakers Category:Companies based in Las Vegas Category:Gambling companies of the United States Category:Gambling companies established in the 21st century Category:2019 establishments in Nevada --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Circa Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circa_Sports) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circa_Sports?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.